8 ways language training can transform your business

Samantha Ball
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Reading time: 5 minutes

Around 20%of the , making it an integral component in global business operations. But the question remains for business leaders and HR professionals: how can language learning, specifically, business English courses, drive your organization forward?Here are 8 ways language training can impact your business.

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1) Foster career growth

Beyond the essential international workplace communication aspect, proficiency in English is considered critical for career opportunities.Employees overwhelmingly believethat English language proficiency is linked to earning potential –with 80% stating its importance in determining future earnings.

2) Close skills gaps

Furthermore, there's evidence of askills gapbetween the English taught in formal education and the language needed in the work environment. Addressing this gap through targeted workplace English programs can enable employees to be more effective in their roles, positioning your company ahead of the curve.

3) Boost confidence using English at work

The statistics spotlight a concerning chasm. Only 25% of professionals feel fully confident using all four key English language skills– listening, reading, speaking and writing – in their roles. Plus, a whopping 54% said that their formal education did not give them good enough English proficiency for work. This gap between formal education and real-world requirements signals an urgent need for tailored workplace language programs.

4) Improve employee engagement and satisfaction

9 out of 10 employees consider it crucial for employers to develop and offer language training, yet only a third currently have access to it. This closely mirrors other , revealing that over 60% of organizations lack a language training program or strategy.

, only 23% of employees worldwide are actively engaged at work, while 6 in 10 are “quietly quitting” (meaning they have psychologically disengaged from work). Gallup estimates that this cost to the global economy is around $8.8 trillion each year. So, how satisfied with their jobs were our survey respondents?

Overall, 77% said they were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with their current role. On closer inspection of the data, however, there is a clear correlation between job satisfaction and level of English proficiency, with a 24-point difference between those with the lowest and highest levels of English. Learning and development are a priority for many in the workforce and are particularly important to younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials). 94% of employees say they would stay at their company longer if employers invested in training and development.

5) Enhance your competitive edge

Despite the challenges, language proficiency offers significant rewards. Kris Lynne D. Tinaza, Vice President for Talent Acquisition at MicroSourcing in the Philippines, encourages businesses to prioritize language training as a means of empowering their workforce and enhancing their competitive edge in the global marketplace.

“English – especially spoken fluency – remains a top skill employers seek. When I became a recruiter in 2004, 'near-native' speakers were considered the 'cream of the crop.' Today, across various industries, from simple tasks to niche expertise, 80% of my clients prioritize excellent communication – regardless of the role.”

6) Capitalize on your workforce's learning motivations

Self-service learning methods, such as language apps, online courses, and engaging social media content, are rising in popularity – particularly among the Gen Z workforce, who tend to favor tech-based methods like online games and chat rooms to sharpen their language skills. These modern avenues present a golden opportunity for businesses to integrate flexible yet structured language learning pathways into their employee enrichment strategies.

Isaac Johnson, CEO of EduGuide (Saudi Arabia), says:

“English language training around the world has never been in such high demand. In Saudi Arabia in particular, the ambitious goals of Vision 2030 make English an essential skill for the future of the Kingdom. High-quality English training that uses technology to personalize learning should be the standard for every HR department and educational institution these days.”

Invest in transferrable skills

Learning English for work isn't just a skill upgrade – it's a transformative investment that reshapes employees' professional personas and personal lives. This transformation leads to improved international communication, collaboration, and stronger relationships across the board.

Angeline Verzosa-Cayago, PhD, Director of Language Learning at De La Salle University-Dasmarinas, says:

“English language learning is not solely the concern of students and teachers alike, but employers and staff. Knowing how valuable the English language is in cultivating professionalism and fostering professional and international relations, English proficiency level is pivotal in concretely identifying the ability of professionals in effectively communicating in a variety of settings and contexts.”

7) Strengthen workplace relationships

The direct link between well-trained, confident, satisfied employees and enhanced business profitability cannot be overlooked. When staff and team members are proficient learners of English and feel content within their roles, it catalyzes a positive ripple effect throughout the organization. A proficient workforce means smoother internal team communications, fewer misunderstandings, and more efficient teamwork on projects with global partners. Currently,31% are learning English to build better workplace relationships.

Additionally, happier employees are more invested in their work, leading to decreased turnover rates and lower recruitment costs.

8) Reduce churn and improve retention

According to a study by the(SHRM), the average cost of hiring a new employee can exceed $4,700, not accounting for the time and resources spent on training and integration into the company.

This figure highlights the significance and significant benefits of investing in language training and development programs as not only a method to enhance employee satisfaction and retention, but also as a strategic approach to mitigate the high costs associated with employee turnover.

By prioritizing English proficiency and other relevant skill sets, businesses can considerably reduce the frequency of recruitment cycles, thereby saving on these substantial costs in the long run.

These factors combined lead to a more agile and resilient business capable of adapting to market changes and seizing new opportunities. Ultimately, investing in employee satisfaction and language proficiency is not merely an expense but a strategic manoeuvre that pays dividends through superior output and heightened profitability.

A call to action for business leaders

Now, the pathway to leveraging these benefits is clearer than ever. Employers are encouraged to offer on-the-job language training and to recognize the broader merits of linguistic versatility among employees, even when their initial proficiency may not meet conventional benchmarks.

Reviewing existing criteria for measuring language proficiency is a sage step for HR professionals looking to develop and refine their teams' communicative prowess. Providing language training to promising applicants can yield a high return on investment, particularly if they possess other crucial skills your business needs.

Discover the transformative power of English training

For an in-depth understanding of how business English skills can catalyze business growth and employee advancement,download our research paper 'How English Empowers Your Tomorrow'. It contains valuable insights into the English proficiency landscape and its impact on global business practices, offering a roadmap for integration into your talent development strategies.

Where to start

app is here to support your business with flexible, relevant solutions, including the leading Global Scale of English (GSE), the app English Journey, Versant by app language testing and online learning solutions.

Read more about our suite of tools and programs. Empower your workforce, inspire your leaders and connect your business to the world. Start by speaking the language of global opportunity – start your business’s English journey now.

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    Maximising workforce potential: The top benefits of language training

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    In today's globally connected business landscape, language training is not merely an added advantage but a critical component for companies seeking to maximize their team's potential. Being proficient in multiple languages enables effective communication, promotes cross-cultural understanding, and enhances networking capabilities.

    As businesses expand their operations globally, the proficiency to communicate in the native languages of clients and partners becomes crucial. This essential skill, proficiency in spoken languages, fosters trust and paves the way for more successful negotiations. Linguistic adaptability is becoming a pivotal requisite for organizations that aim to thrive in international commerce's dynamic and diverse environment.

    Understanding the concept of language training

    Acquiring a second language through language learning involves a systematic approach. It focuses on studying one language with the aim of enhancing communication skills in professional, educational and personal settings. This form of education transcends mere memorization and language study of vocabulary and grammar in a single language. It strives to foster a profound understanding of linguistic subtleties and cultural aspects across multiple languages.

    Language learning mastery accelerates critical thinking and adaptation to communication challenges, resulting in stronger, more meaningful connections in a multilingual, interconnected world. Mastering more than one language in today's diverse business world is not simply about translation; it's about gaining a competitive edge by understanding the nuances and cultural contexts that can inform and enhance global relationships.

    Consequently, language learning not only equips individuals with the tools required for effective dialogue but also sharpens cognitive abilities, paves the way for greater empathy towards other languages and cultures, and opens a doorway to a wealth of new personal and professional opportunities.

    The direct benefits of corporate language training for employees

    Enhanced communication skills

    Through language training, employees develop better listening abilities, pronunciation and vocabulary that collectively improve their overall communication proficiency. They gain a deeper understanding of the subtleties of language, allowing them to convey messages more clearly and comprehend others with increased accuracy.

    Language learning is crucial in fostering more profound connections with colleagues and clients.Learning languages goes beyond mere verbal exchange; it immerses individuals in the subtleties of different cultures, fostering a global mindset and sensitivity that are invaluable assets in today's international market. Individuals can cultivate more meaningful relationships by showcasing empathy and a genuine interest in cultural engagement with other cultures and other languages.

    Boosted confidence

    The fluency attained through dedicated language training significantly elevates an employee's self-assurance in their professional capabilities. Confident employees are more likely to engage in discussions, present ideas articulately, and assert their viewpoints in negotiations—key catalysts in driving innovation and business growth. Achieving fluency in learning a second language or foreign mother tongue is a commendable milestone that fosters employees' sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

    Furthermore, through additional language learning, employees not only enhance their communication abilities but also increase their propensity to establish rapport with international clients and partners. This, in turn, fosters more fruitful and harmonious professional relationships. In essence, language proficiency in more than just one other language, empowers individuals to operate beyond their comfort zones, thereby driving both personal and professional growth.

    Career advancement opportunities

    Language skills are not just tools for effective communication—they can be a catalyst for career advancement.

    Acquiring proficiency in a first or second language, a foreign tongue or an additional second language can also open the door to new roles within the company, such as international liaison or translator, which may have been unattainable otherwise. Mastering more than one language not only signifies an individual's ability to engage in varied linguistic exchanges but also demonstrates a commitment to personal development and an understanding of the evolving demands of the global marketplace.

    Employees with multilingual capabilities are often perceived as valuable assets who can seamlessly interact with diverse markets, making them prime candidates for promotions and leadership positions.

    Furthermore, as companies increasingly value global collaboration, being able to negotiate and network in a different culture and other languages can lead to being entrusted with more strategic projects and overseas postings. These opportunities broaden an individual's experience of the global economy and exposure to learning a second or third language, preparing them for a variety of influential roles within the ever-expanding global business arena.

    Cognitive benefits of language learning

    The process of acquiring and learning a new language thus does much more than merely expand an individual’s ability to communicate in only one language; it also provides significant cognitive enhancements.

    As individuals learn and use a second language, they engage in mental exercises that strengthen their brain and the new language's neural pathways, leading to better memory retention and recall of the new language.

    This cognitive exercise extends beyond language acquisition, enhancing the brain's ability to handle complex situations and solve problems more efficiently. Bilingual or multilingual individuals often demonstrate enhanced proficiency in recognizing essential components of complex problem-solving challenges and crafting innovative solutions. This ability stems from their adeptness and other skills acquired through language diversity.

    The practice of switching between languages enhances multitasking abilities, making language learners more effective in navigating tasks that require an attention span juggling multiple priorities. These cognitive side benefits of learning can have profound implications, contributing to an individual's mental agility and resilience in both personal and professional contexts. You can read more in our post 'Being bilingual can help keep your brain in good condition'.