In such unprecedented times, we are all witnessing the importance of clear communication across the globe. Despite giant technological leaps forward, with things such as artificial intelligence, we are still dependant on language skills to communicate ideas and share information with transparency.
Return on investment
To quote Benjamin Franklin, “an investment in knowledge pays the best interest”, these words undeniably still stand today and relate perfectly to language training in the corporate world. So, how does ROI on language training work? Forbes and Entrepreneur both agree that language training is a valuable investment for businesses, companies, and employees. If we consider language training as the power that boosts both the career of the individual and the business as a whole, the benefits become clear. The more a company invests in its employees, the more it will reap from them - happy workers generally work harder and more efficiently.
Return of Investment flow in language training
Business and language
With regard to how we use languages in business, the 2017 edition of Teaching Business English contains views by Ellis and Johnson explaining that “language is used to achieve an end, and its successful use is seen in terms of a successful outcome to the business transaction or event.”
The importance of speaking more than one language is evident in the results from a survey by Rosetta Stone users conducted in March 2019. It found that “over half of Rosetta Stone users (54%) say that knowing another language is important in their current jobs, and more than one-third (35%) have chosen to learn another language to help with their current position or their future career.”
Bilingual and multilingual professionals become valuable assets by bridging linguistic and cultural gaps and thus creating the perfect foundation for doing business globally. Acquiring a new language takes learners beyond developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Albert Einstein explained, “as our circle of knowledge expands, so does the circumference of darkness surrounding it”. Hence, the existing circle of knowledge expands gradually into business language whilst the training itself also provides learners with the development of soft skills such as improved communication, creativity, decision-making skills, problem-solving skills, time management etc. Such skills are difficult to measure but arguably lead to increased employee productivity.
Should anyone question the reasons why language skills are great for business, the data provided by The Guardian reveal that "in 2011 over 27% of admin and clerical jobs went unfilled because of the languages deficit.” Therefore, whether face-to-face, online, in-house, in-company or blended learning - language training programmes provide our clients with comprehensive solutions to meet their specific requirements.
As a result of investment in language training, companies open the door to international markets and in doing so invest in the future of their business. Therefore, being ahead in any business globally demonstrates having both knowledge of foreign markets and the ability to communicate in foreign languages. Knowledge of languages other than English reflects an understanding of foreign cultures, markets, customs, etiquette, protocol – all of which break down geographical borders and strengthen relationships.
Professional Language Solutions provides language training to over 80 corporate clients, delivering bespoke courses designed with the clients’ specific needs and objectives in mind. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to see how we can help your company today.