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For multinational companies, English language training for non-native English-speaking employees is essential in today’s global marketplace. Prioritizing corporate English training for non-native English-speaking staff pays dividends in internal and external communications and task proficiency, improving many aspects of a business. Let’s delve into the top eight reasons why investing in English language training for your non-native English-speaking employees is critical for today’s global market.
1. Improved communication
From email exchanges to presentations, English is used in all forms of business communication. However, using English in the workplace could be a major concern for many non-native English speakers, as they may struggle to express themselves effectively or understand their colleagues, clients, and partners.
With English language training for non-native English-speaking employees, confidence will grow and internal and external communications will improve. Interactions with colleagues, whether native or non-native speakers, through email, phone calls, or video conferencing become clear and concise, reducing misunderstandings and increasing the efficiency of business operations.
With English language training for non-native English-speaking employees, confidence will grow and internal and external communications will improve. Interactions with colleagues, whether native or non-native speakers, through email, phone calls, or video conferencing become clear and concise, reducing misunderstandings and increasing the efficiency of business operations. Communication with clients or customers similarly will improve, as employees are better able to convey the concepts they intend but may have struggled to communicate. Non-native speakers are.
Communication with clients or customers similarly will improve, as employees are better able to convey the concepts they intend but may have struggled to communicate. Non-native speakers provide valuable insights into multinational communications, as many clients will also be non-native speakers. Language training provides opportunities to improve English language proficiency, but should also embrace the common dialects and accents of non-native speakers, as global communications will often be with non-native speakers.
When investing in an English language training program, consider job-based tasks, the medium of interaction, and important cultural aspects of communication among speakers.
2. Increased productivity
A command of English can be a powerful operational tool. With fewer opportunities for miscommunication and a grasp of industry jargon, your employees can bring significant contributions to collaborative projects with teams across the world.
Knowing Business English terms can enable non-native English speakers to express themselves more clearly while brainstorming, presenting, and discussing solutions. An effective language program will include instruction and authentic resources that teach not only important language learning, but the soft skills of effective business practices, such as collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Growing language proficiency coupled with these soft skills will translate to improved productivity.
3. Enhanced competitiveness
How does improved English fluency of non-native English-speaking employees help the company compete in the global marketplace? First, professionals who can use Business English effectively in an intercultural setting have an improved understanding of foreign markets. As such, the company is better equipped to identify and seize opportunities abroad and contend with global competitors.
Second, investing in English language training for non-native English-speaking employees indicates a dedication to your employees. Language training benefits staff members personally and professionally. Demonstrating your investment in your employees improves staff retention and top-talent recruitment. These benefits will trickle down to the client experience as well.
Last, having a workforce that is fluent in English will open doors to tangential markets and provide marketing opportunities that showcase a company’s commitment to excellence. Showcasing your company’s commitment to effective internal and external communication, employee professional learning and development, and continued growth and innovation shows clients a real commitment to shared values that will set your company apart from the competition.
4. Improved intercultural communication
For multinational companies, it is common to have non-native English speakers who may also speak a variety of native languages. Creating a common bond of English as the language of business, while still celebrating the diverse, rich cultures of your global staff provides opportunities for improving company culture, as well as tangible results of improved productivity and client relations. When employees have strong English skills, they’ll be more comfortable being in a culturally diverse environment and adapting to international teams and clients.
In addition, when workers take a Business English language training course, they’ll have a chance to learn about how business cultures differ, which will allow them to adapt to each interaction and establish better professional relationships. For example, in some cultures, it’s preferred that opinions be communicated directly; while in other cultures, it’s preferred that rapport is built before opinions are communicated. Still others prefer feedback to be given indirectly. When investing in English language training for non-native English-speaking staff, be sure cultural norms are addressed within the curriculum.
5. Opportunities for career advancement
Language training for non-native English-speaking employees presents more opportunities for roles within companies that require greater English proficiency. For companies, non-native speakers may hold a wealth of talent that would otherwise be wasted. Additionally, working toward company-wide English language proficiency provides management the opportunity to assign tasks and roles based on talent and initiative, rather than language ability. Again, this translates to improved performance, a positive company culture, and increased individual and company-wide successes.
6. Attracting and retaining top talent
Continuing with the idea that non-native English-speaking staff have a wealth of talent and abilities, but may lack the necessary English proficiency, another benefit of language training is attracting and retaining the best of the best in your industry. Providing opportunities for these individuals to learn or improve English may be the selling point your company needs to bring them on board. Once with your firm, they’ll be able to pursue English language training and use their industry talents for your company’s growth.
English language training shows your commitment to growth and improvement, which is something that will draw talent that may otherwise choose a competitor that will better support their career path. In-house language training is a very attractive offer for highly-skilled professionals as they can see the opportunities for continued growth within the company.
7. Compliance with regulations
While English fluency is advantageous in many industries, it can be a legal requirement in some. For example, high English proficiency is a must-have in fields like aviation, shipping, healthcare, and hospitality. In many cases, professionals must pass an English proficiency test or course to earn a specific certification. And although having strong communication skills in English may not be required in other sectors, it could still be necessary to meet industry standards.
There are many reasons English proficiency is required in many industries. For example, employees may be required to read materials or participate in training that are only available in English or they may need to interact with people from all over the world. For instance, English is necessary for information technology workers to understand processes, write software documentation, and communicate with other developers. Many English language training programs have English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses that focus on language training for specific industries, such as aviation, human resources, engineering, or sales.
Learn more about Bridge’s English for Specific Purposes language training programs.
8. Improving the company’s brand and reputation
Finally, a company that invests in language training for its non-native English-speaking employees shows a commitment to employees’ professional growth and company-wide values that many clients will appreciate. A strong, positive company culture will draw and retain that top talent and the company’s reputation for quality and commitment to excellence will spread. A language program that aligns with a company’s values and mission is one that will not only attract and retain valuable employees but also valuable clients who recognize a quality partnership that will be lasting.
Language training for non-native English-speaking employees is key to growing a company’s pool of talent and creating an environment where talent can shine, utilizing their abilities to collaborate and innovate, improving company processes, efficiency, and bottom line.
