Boosting employee retention: Benefits of language learning in the workplace

Claire Chettiar
Coworkers sat at a desk with their laptops, smiling and talking to eachother

In the era of the Great Resignation, there are lots of factors that influence whether or not someone chooses to stay with their company or decides to accept a job offer from a new employer.

Whilst fair pay remains a constant in this, feeling included, valued, and cared about by colleagues plays a significant role in the decision on whether to stay or go.

The power of language learning in the workplace
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In the (2022), international consultancy firm PwC identified the top five predictors for employee turnover as:

  • Not finding their job to be fulfilling
  • Not being able to be their true self at work
  • Not being fairly rewarded financially
  • Not having a team that cares about them
  • Not being listened to by their manager.

It is clear from this that communication, empathy and listening skills are all critical in both attracting and retaining employees.

There are many ways in which companies can address these points, including embracing language learning for employees at all levels in their organization.

Language learning development can have an impact on three key areas, each of which speak to the important points that employees look for that PwC identified.

Effective communication

Language barriers can hinder effective communication and collaboration among team members. By investing in language learning programs, organizations can bridge these gaps and facilitate sharing ideas, exchanging knowledge, and building stronger relationships.

Listening skills to understand all points of view

One of the most important language skills is listening. Even if you are a native speaker in the language of your company, there is often a lot to learn and practice to get it right, but it has one of the most significant impacts on employees who want to be heard by their manager and understood by their teams.

Cultural awareness

As employees learn new languages, they gain firsthand experience of different cultures, breaking down stereotypes and dispelling misconceptions. This exposure to diverse languages and cultures encourages individuals to view their colleagues beyond their cultural backgrounds, fostering an environment that is open, inclusive, and free from prejudice.

Collectively, strong language skills allow all employees to express their true selves at work, whilst being respected and listened to in an inclusive environment.

Not only does this create a culture in which teams are more connected and effective in what they need to deliver, but it fosters an environment where employees feel valued and want to stay.

Building in opportunities to develop language skills as part of employees' development plans, whether through formal courses or informal self-paced learning, will deliver significant value not just to the individual but to the organization as a whole.

Read more in our post 'Ways to boost employee retention with language learning'.

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    Balancing work, life, and learning: How adult learners navigate English language learning

    By Dr. Le Dinh Bao Quoc
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Dr. Quoc is an author, educational solutions provider and AIED expert with over 20 years of experience in ELT and education in Vietnam. He is the Founder and CEO of Pro.Ed Education Solutions and Chief Officer of EduVerse, a global network supporting lifelong learning for educators. Dr. Quoc is also the author of The Art and Science of ChatGPT in Education and was named a LinkedIn Top Educational Leadership Voice in 2024. His work focuses on integrating AI into education to support personalized and flexible learning for teachers and learners.

    For many adult learners, mastering English isn’t just about gaining a new skill—it’s about unlocking opportunities in work, family and social spheres. But juggling English lessons alongside work, family obligations and social commitments is a challenge that can feel overwhelming.

    This guide explores the unique challenges adult learners face and how educators can support them with empathy, flexibility and effective strategies.

    The challenges of learning English as an adult

    Meet Le, a 35-year-old Vietnamese project manager who dreams of working for an international company. With a demanding full-time job and two young children, finding time for English lessons feels impossible. Missing classes and struggling to complete assignments leads to frustration and self-doubt—an all-too-common experience among adult learners.

    Many adults face similar challenges:

    • Balancing work, family and personal commitments leaves little time and energy for study.
    • Fatigue after a long day makes it difficult to concentrate or retain information.
    • Progress feels slow, which can be demotivating.

    Without practical support, the goal of English proficiency can seem out of reach.

    Strategies for overcoming challenges

    1. Setting SMART Goals

    Educators can guide learners to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals. Breaking down larger objectives into small, measurable milestones gives learners a sense of achievement. For example, app’s Global Scale of English (GSE) provides actionable “Can-do” statements, such as:

    • Reading (GSE 37/CEFR A2+): Can understand simple personal emails.
    • Speaking (GSE 44/CEFR B1): Can give a short talk with visual support.

    These manageable goals create motivation and help learners like Le stay focused without feeling overwhelmed.

    2. Offering flexible learning options

    Flexibility is key for adult learners. Teachers can adopt strategies such as:

    • Modular lessons that can be completed in short sessions.
    • Micro-learning, including 10-minute daily practices using apps or quick grammar exercises.

    For learners like Le, micro-learning can easily be integrated into a work commute or lunch break.

    3. Blending learning with real-world scenarios

    Teaching English through practical, real-life contexts makes lessons more relevant and efficient. Using authentic materials like emails, meeting notes, or presentations mirrors learners’ daily lives and creates immediate applications for their new skills. For instance:

    • Help learners role-play workplace conversations.
    • Develop speaking proficiency for social interactions or workplace scenarios.

    This approach saves time and reinforces the usefulness of learning English, keeping learners motivated.

    4. Encouraging weekly reflection

    Reflection allows learners to monitor their progress, stay motivated and adapt their strategies. Teachers can:

    • Encourage learners to set weekly goals (e.g., learning new business vocabulary or practicing pronunciation for 15 minutes daily).
    • Use reflection journals to track achievements, identify challenges and adjust learning plans.

    This habit reinforces a growth mindset, helping learners make consistent progress amidst their busy schedules.

    Implementing the strategies

    Here’s how educators can apply these strategies effectively:

    1. Assess and set goals

    Work with learners to set realistic, measurable goals based on their personal motivations and schedules.

    2. Create flexible study plans

    Develop personalized study schedules that incorporate modular lessons and micro-learning techniques.

    3. Use authentic materials

    Include sample emails, presentations, or conversations that align with the learner’s work or life situations, making lessons more practical.

    4. Encourage accountability

    Implement tools like reflective journals or digital reminders to help learners stay on track and see their progress.

    5. Leverage personalized AI tools

    Use AI-powered tools to recommend tailored exercises, provide instant feedback and enable targeted practice in learners’ focus areas.

    Why It matters

    English proficiency opens doors to better job opportunities, stronger social connections and enriched personal growth. By providing empathetic and flexible support, teachers empower learners to achieve their goals without compromising their work-life balance.
    For educators seeking further resources, app’s GSE framework offers valuable tools to help adult learners succeed. Teachers can use these aids to track progress and personalize lessons for maximum impact.

    Celebrate education

    To mark the incredible work of educators helping learners balance work, life and study, we encourage you to share your own experiences and tips to others. Together, we can continue to empower lifelong learning and celebrate the role of education in transforming lives.