Start-up guide: Language training for your business

Samantha Ball
A business woman stood in front of a board of sticky notes, with others looking at the sticky notes.
Reading time: 4 minutes

As HR professionals, you understand the importance of equipping your workforce with the skills they need to thrive. One such critical skill is proficiency in business English. Implementing a corporate language training program can seem daunting, but with the right resources and a clear plan, you can set your organization on a path to success. Here’s a methodical guide to help you get started with resources to help you along the way.

Start-up guide: Language training for your business
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Step 1: Assess your needs

Before diving into language training, it’s essential to understand your organization’s specific needs. Consider the following:

  • Identify roles and skills: Determine which roles require strong English proficiency. Use tools like the GSE Job Profiles to map English skills to over 1300 roles.
  • Evaluate current proficiency: Use automated English language tests like Versant by app to assess the current proficiency levels of your employees. This will help you identify gaps and tailor your training programs accordingly.

Step 2: Choose the right training solutions

Selecting the appropriate training solutions is crucial for the success of your language program. app offers a variety of options to suit different needs:

  • Digital Language Tutor: For scalable, remote learning, consider Mondly by app and its Digital Language Tutor. This platform uses AI-powered Conversation Partners to simulate corporate scenarios, enhancing listening and speaking skills in relevant business contexts.
  • Instructor-led courses: For more personalized learning, explore courses like Business Partner and Step Up. These programs focus on developing business English and soft skills through authentic business situations and teamwork exercises.

Step 3: Develop a comprehensive plan

A well-structured plan ensures that your language training program is effective and sustainable. Here’s how to get started:

  • Set clear objectives: Define what you aim to achieve with your language training program. Whether it’s improving customer service, enhancing internal communication, or supporting international business expansion, having clear goals will guide your efforts.
  • Create a curriculum: Use tools like the to create job-specific language profiles and design a curriculum that aligns with your objectives.
  • Integrate assessments: Regularly assess your employees’ progress using tools like Versant by app. This will help you measure the effectiveness of your training and make necessary adjustments.

Step 4: Secure stakeholder buy-in

Gaining support from key stakeholders is critical for the success of your language training program. Here’s how to build a compelling case:

  • Highlight the Benefits: Use data to demonstrate the tangible benefits of language training, such as improved customer satisfaction, increased revenue, and enhanced employee engagement. Refer to resources like the Global English Proficiency Report for insights.
  • Calculate ROI: Use our business case template to calculate the potential return on investment (ROI) of your language training program. This will help you present a well-rounded argument to decision-makers.

Step 5: Implement and monitor

Once you have your plan and stakeholder support, it’s time to implement your language training program:

  • Launch the program: Roll out the training program across your organization. Ensure that employees understand the objectives and benefits of the training.
  • Monitor progress: Regularly track the progress of your employees using assessments and feedback. Use this data to make necessary adjustments and ensure continuous improvement.

Explore further

For additional insights, watch the webinar series 'The Power of Language Training and Assessment for Businesses.' This series is designed for HR innovators, talent acquisition and development professionals, people managers, and business leaders. It covers how integrating English language training and assessments into your talent strategy can power business success. The webinars feature exclusive product demos, real case studies, and the latest data and research, making them a must-watch to set your workforce up for success.

For more resources, explore our comprehensive collection of articles, reports and tools:

By following these steps and leveraging app’s innovative solutions, you can empower your workforce with the language skills they need to excel in today’s global business environment. Start your corporate language training journey today and unlock the full potential of your organization.

Get in touch and start your company language journey

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

    By Dr. Le Dinh Bao Quoc
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    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.