8 ways language training can transform your business

Samantha Ball
A business woman stood at a desk with a computer with two colleagues sat at the desk
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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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    How English can help make a successful business

    By Mohamed Shaik

    In today's commercial world, proficiency in English can significantly set a successful business apart from those challenged by communication barriers. English acts as a bridge to international markets, enabling businesses to establish worldwide partnerships and connect with a broader audience.

    Effective use of English can amplify marketing strategies, enhance customer engagement, and simplify and manage the complexities of legal and financial dealings across different countries. Let's explore an example where English proficiency has been instrumental in a business's success.

    Max Kortrakul, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of the company , has become a pivotal figure in the business world spearheading innovation within Thailand's thriving stock investment scene. His mobile application, a beacon for stock investors in the region, encapsulates the surge of technology start-ups that Southeast Asia is witnessing. With the prestigious under its belt in 2014, StockRadars exemplifies the caliber of start-ups emerging from this vibrant corner of the world.

    In 2015, Southeast Asia's tech industry saw an unprecedented influx of deals, and as projected by a fascinating, the internet economy is poised to soar, potentially amassing a staggering US$200 billion annually over the course of the next decade. Amidst this digital gold rush, Max unearths his entrepreneurial saga – from seducing investors with a mere concept, to architecting a budding enterprise with English as a critical cog in reaching an impressive valuation of US$15 million.

    The genesis of a pioneering app for stock investors

    Eager to democratize the daunting task and practice of stock investing, Max identified a crucial void in the market – intuitive and user-friendly analytical tools. "Investment should be accessible. My vision was to demystify the stock market terrain for both myself and the wider audience in Thailand" he reflects. StockRadars embodies this ethos, distilling complex market data into streamlined, actionable insights, accessible right from your smartphone.

    From sleepless nights to a sound business proposition

    Max was burning the midnight oil when inspiration struck - that unshakable idea that jolts you awake at 3 a.m. Consumed by potential, he channelled all his energy and focus into writing and crafting the app. "It's about conviction and the audacity to give life to your concept," Max states. "Some ideas propel you into the celebrated ; others are stepping stones to the next big venture."

    The art of engaging investors

    Successful fundraising transcends mere numbers. For Max, it hinged on substantiating his commitment and the sweat equity he poured into StockRadars. "Investors bet on people, not just ideas" he states. Presenting the app as a tool that could help alleviate risk and simplify stock market investment was key to unlocking investor confidence.

    Tackling pitchroom anxieties

    "I shunned the notion of insignificance," Max admits. Being from a region sparse in tech success stories, he focused on his personal goals and conviction to succeed rather than his country’s size.

    Navigating the pitch in English could intimidate, but Max was a proponent of simplicity over jargon. His prior stint in an IT firm in Vietnam had polished his own English skills and vocabulary, a skill he used to his advantage.

    Multicultural mindsets driving innovation

    Working in diverse environments has broadened Max's horizons, teaching him the value of "English variants" in seamless communication. "Diversity shapes our business ideology" notes Max. Interns from Nepal and England have enriched StockRadars, bringing distinct perspectives to the table and fuelling innovation.

    The language of opportunity

    "English is the connective tissue in the global business landscape" Max asserts, underscoring its significance in multiplying prospects and fostering networks. With Southeast Asia becoming a fertile ground for tech start-ups, English proficiency is not just an asset; it's a gateway to turning start-up visions into tangible successes.

    Why is English so important in business?

    In today's global economy, where over 1.5 billion people speak English, it serves as a crucial tool enabling cross-border collaborations and partnerships.

    For successful entrepreneurs, like Max, proficiency in English is not merely an academic accomplishment but a strategic business tool that enables effective communication across diverse cultures and geographic boundaries. It breaks down barriers, allowing businesses to access and engage with international clients, partners and investors effortlessly.

    In settings where colleagues of diverse nationalities meet, English is the shared language that promotes effective communication and understanding, boosting workflow efficiency and fostering workplace inclusivity. Whether it's negotiating deals, drafting contracts, or conducting marketing campaigns, English proficiency is essential, enhancing professional capabilities across various sectors.

    Therefore, speaking and mastering English is not merely a skill but a critical asset, increasing occupational prospects and driving careers and business success in a world where many professionals consider it the language of global business.

    This linguistic skill enhances understanding of global market trends and consumer demands, fostering opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Furthermore, English is the predominant language of the Internet, digital marketing and global trade agreements, making it indispensable for businesses aiming to develop and capitalise on e-commerce and digital platforms.

    In essence, for many business professionals, English is more than a language; it is a catalyst for business expansion, innovation and competitive edge in the increasingly interconnected global economy.

    Ensure your own business success

    Are you an aspiring business maverick? Amplify your reach, unlock investment opportunities, and join the ranks of elite companies and start-ups like StockRadars. The trajectory to success starts with a single step - and sometimes, that crucial step is mastering the English language.

    Unlock the doors to global success with app's Business English Courses. Whether you're an emerging entrepreneur keen to pitch your next big idea with confidence or a seasoned professional looking to enhance your own knowledge and communication in the international market, our courses are designed to refine you or your students business English language skills.

    Read our other posts on workplace English, such as 'Cutting through corporateEnglish: Clearer alternatives tobusinessjargon' and 'Ways language training can transform your business'.