Unlocking economic potential with language learning

Samantha Ball
Coworkers talking together in an office by windows
Reading time: 5 minutes

As demographic shifts and technological advancements reshape the global workforce, the gap between the skills people have and the skills they need continues to widen. This "skills chasm" is particularly evident in language learning, where traditional education systems often fail to keep pace with the demands of the modern economy.

Unlocking economic potential with language learning
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The skills chasm in language learning

Demographics and technological disruption

The aging population and declining birth rates mean fewer young people are entering the workforce, including roles that require multilingual capabilities. , highlighting the need for lifelong language learning to keep older workers engaged and productive.

Also, advancements in AI are reshaping the learning and usage of languages in professional settings. Tools like language translation services and learning applications are increasing the demand for employees who can utilize these technologies and adapt to evolving linguistic tools.

By 2030, i, including language capabilities, which will require ongoing improvements in language proficiency. In our report, How English empowers your tomorrow, 40% of survey participants expressed concern that AI could replace their jobs within the next five years. Mastery of English is considered essential for securing careers in a landscape heavily influenced by new technologies and AI.

Economic stakes and language learning

Economic growth

Enhanced language skills can significantly contribute to economic growth. For instance, a one-standard-deviation increase in cognitive skills, which includes language proficiency, is in a country’s annual economic growth. This highlights the economic value of investing in language education.

Transition losses

In language learning, transition losses refer to delays in acquiring essential language skills for employment. Bridging these gaps can lessen economic losses and enhance job readiness.

, with a considerable amount stemming from skills gaps, including language proficiency. Our survey results show that those employees who work for a company that offers language training are more than twice as likely to say that they are very satisfied with their job than those working for companies that do not offer any language training.Ìý

However, only 33% of learners indicate that their employer provides language training. Happier employees are more inclined to remain with their company longer, thereby reducing overall turnover costs

Learning to learn

Emphasizing learning-to-learn skills in corporate training for HR professionals can enhance efficiency in employee development. Metacognitive strategies, such as self-assessment and goal setting, help employees retain and apply new concepts and skills more effectively. By investing in and implementing solutions that address these needs, businesses can cultivate a more competent and adaptable workforce. Tools like 'Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp' can support their learning.

Aligning with market needs

Language learning pathways should be aligned with labor market needs. Industries such as international business, tourism, and diplomacy require specific language skills that should be integrated into educational programs. Creating adaptive and transparent pathways for language learning can help individuals navigate their careers more effectively. For help on aligning language skills with jobs, make sure to look at our GSE Job Profiles.

Flexible pathways

Establishing adaptable and clear pathways for language acquisition is crucial. This involves providing modular courses, certifications, and opportunities for real-world language practice. For instance, virtual reality training can create realistic language-use scenarios, guiding learners in determining if they should change their course. For example, ÃÛÌÒapp has an AI-driven language training tool named Digital Language Tutor, designed to assist learners in realistic language environments.

The path forward: Investing in language learning for economic success

For HR professionals and decision-makers, the message is clear. Investing in language learning is a strategic economic imperative.ÌýBridging language learning can enhance employee potential while driving significant economic growth and reducing transition losses.Ìý

The future of work demands a proactive approach to language learning, ensuring that individuals and organizations are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in a globalized economy. and find out how to close it with language learning.

Get in touch about our corporate solutions

Read our blog posts 'Real-world English: How GSE Job Profiles bridge learning and work'Ìýand 'Improving employee engagement: The crucial role of language learning in business'.

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    Tips for keeping learners studying over the holiday season

    By Nicolas Chaparro
    Reading time: 3.5 minutes

    Nicolas Chaparro is a Colombian language teacher with a bachelor's degree in basic education, specializing in humanities and languages. After spending five years working as a systems technician, he discovered the potential of technology to enhance learning, which ignited his passion for dynamic, tech-driven education. He has the privilege of working at one of Colombia's most prestigious English institutions, where he currently leads a team focused on education, creativity and motivation.Ìý

    The holiday season is a magical time and the perfect moment to spark a teacher's creativity. I've always believed that learning a language isn't just about studying—it's about living it. As a learner, I loved the resources my teachers and institutions provided, but what truly captivated me was the opportunity to engage with the world using the language skills I had acquired.

    As a teacher, I strive to give my students that same experience. I didn't expect the holiday season to become the perfect setting to turn my teaching philosophy into reality. This blog post shares a personal story of how I used a creative activity to keep my students learning and practicing English during the holidays with the support of the Global Scale of English (GSE).

    The challenge I faced: Mixed levels and ages

    The activity I designed, Christmas Carols, presented two main challenges:

    1. Diverse proficiency levels: My group included students ranging from beginners to advanced learners, all participating in the same activity. I wanted to have them all working together; that's what language means to me.Ìý
    2. Varied age groups: The students also spanned different age ranges, which required an effective approach to engage everyone. It was a Christmas gathering meeting with all the institution's students.

    Basic students worked on identifying vocabulary that is similar to their native language and then used it in a short text. Intermediate students solved riddles to guess words that could be included in the lyrics. Advanced students completed questionnaires to build sentences and find synonyms to refine the text. The carol was divided into three sections: the first paragraph was for basic students, the second for intermediate students and the third for advanced students. I also included French students in the activity, which was designed for both languages.

    After the students completed their tasks in separate groups, I mixed them so they could explain the vocabulary they had learned to one another. To facilitate communication without relying on Spanish, I used pictures and Christmas props to help them express themselves visually.

    Finally, we all came together and sang the carol as one group.

    Turning challenges into opportunities with the GSE

    For me, a successful language activity needs three essential components: clear instructions, engaging resources and opportunities for interaction. With these principles in mind, I crafted an inclusive and dynamic activity, using the GSE to guide my planning.

    Step 1: Defining the goal

    I realized that most of my students didn't know specific Christmas-related vocabulary or any traditional English carols. This activity was also an opportunity to learn by myself and then share with them. This gap was my opportunity to introduce them to the holiday spirit in English.

    Step 2: Planning with the GSE

    I identified suitable goals for each proficiency level using the GSE Learning Objectives. These objectives helped me design tasks that targeted key skills—listening, speaking, reading and writing—while considering the ages and abilities of my students.

    Step 3: Preparing a scavenger hunt

    To make the activity interactive and fun, I organized a scavenger hunt. Students had to solve riddles and follow clues to find words essential for completing a Christmas song. The GSE objectives ensured that the tasks were appropriately challenging for each level.

    Step 4: Pairing students effectively

    Knowing my students well, I paired them strategically based on their proficiency and age. This pairing encouraged collaboration and allowed them to support each other throughout the activity.

    Making language visible and memorable

    One of my priorities was to make the language come alive. I brought visual aids like cards, games, and even a Christmas tree and a nativity scene—elements that most students recognized but had never explored in English. These visuals became valuable tools for teaching vocabulary in a tangible, engaging way.

    To add another layer of interaction, I used my guitar to sing along with the students. By the end of the activity, not only were we singing, but they also understood the meaning behind every word. Watching them take pride in their learning was incredibly rewarding and I knew this vocabulary wouldn't stop there; they would take it home and make it real for them, for the season, for their life.

    Reflections and an invitation

    This experience reminded me of the power of teaching through real-life experiences. Holidays provide a unique opportunity to teach without teaching and to help students study while living the language. Tools like the GSE make it easier for us as educators to plan meaningful and impactful activities.

    My invitation to fellow teachers is twofold:

    1. Explore the GSE resources to enrich your teaching strategies.
    2. Share your ideas and activities with the teaching community. Together, we can create opportunities for our students to use the language in real and virtual contexts that inspire learning and cooperation.

    Let's make 2025 the year we bring language to life in every classroom.