The value of language skills in the workplace

Claire Chettiar
Three business people walking through a hallway smilng

Language skills have become increasingly important in the workplace as the world becomes more globalized and connected. Having the ability to communicate effectively in more than one language is very valuable, and with English being a leading lingua franca for businesses across the world, language skills sit at the heart of business success.

Here we highlight four top reasons why language skills are so valuable in the workplace.

Enhanced communication

Effective communication is the number one soft skill that employers look for, . Having strong language skills enables better communication with clients and colleagues, and also helps to work effectively with people from different cultures. It builds solid relationships and reduces frustration where customers or colleagues may otherwise feel that they are not understood or listened to.

Career opportunities

Having different languages on your CV can really help to stand out among other candidates. For some industries it is essential, such as tourism, where it is necessary to serve clients from different countries, and this is also true where companies serve clients in international markets.

Where businesses are increasingly moving to hybrid working practices that can include teams spread across different countries and timezones, it is also becoming more of an expectation and advantage to be able to connect through a central language, such as English.

Furthermore, having English language skills can provide employees with better networking opportunities, in particular through conferences, trade shows and social media platforms such as LinkedIn.

Personal growth

Learning a new language can be a very enriching experience that enhances personal growth and skills development. Language learning doesn't just impact communication skills; it's also been noted that learning a language helps the brain process and remember information more efficiently[1], as well as developing new cognitive and problem-solving skills.

Learning a new language requires discipline, dedication, and patience, which are qualities that can be applied to other areas of work and life.

To summarise, language skills are highly valuable in the workplace and can open up new career opportunities for employees, as well as adding tangible benefits to businesses. Investing in language skills can increase an employee's value, and this can help them succeed in today's ever-evolving work landscape.

Want to improve business language skills for your organization?

Check out Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp

References

  • Department, S. R., 2023.
  • Shogi Javan, S. & Ghonsooly, B., 2018[1]. , Volume 47, pp. 125-138.
  • Ellen Bialystok (2007) , 10:3, 210-223

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • Students sat in a university library talking

    Why your US university needs PTE Academic and ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test

    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Higher education is competitive and universities need to attract top talent from around the globe. One way to do this is by offering a range of secure, accurate and trusted proficiency tests. Adding the ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test alongside PTE Academic can be a game-changer for both students and admissions teams.

    Meeting diverse student needs

    The ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test is a convenient option for students facing time, location, or financial constraints. Unlike traditional tests, it can be taken online, allowing students to complete it from their own homes. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for students in remote areas, who are not close to a test centre.

    Complementing PTE Academic

    While PTE Academic is a truly comprehensive assessment, the ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test offers a quicker, at-home option for prospective students.

    Enhancing the admissions process

    For admissions teams, the ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test can enhance efficiency and effectiveness. By offering a convenient testing option, universities can attract a broader pool of applicants. The quick turnaround times for results also mean faster decision-making, reducing the waiting period for students.

    Boosting business outcomes

    From a business perspective, integrating the ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test can help to increase enrolment numbers and revenue. The enhanced efficiency in the admissions process, through the use of ÃÛÌÒapp’s trusted Score Reporting Website, can reduce administrative costs and free up resources for other strategic initiatives.

    Additionally, offering flexible testing options can enhance the university's appeal, making it more attractive to prospective students and their families.

    What does this mean for you as an institution?

    Adding the ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test alongside PTE Academic is a strategic move that benefits both students and universities. It addresses diverse student needs, complements existing testing options, enhances the admissions process, and boosts business outcomes.

    By embracing this approach, universities can attract top talent and position themselves as leaders in higher education in the US.