Post on 11-Aug-2014
description
SHOULD INVEST IN THE
5 REASONS EVERY COMPANY
OF ITS EMPLOYEES LANGUAGE SKILLS
Fluency in a foreign language is the hottest job skill right now.
Image © Zach_Beauvais | flickr
Fluency in a foreign language is the hottest job skill right now.
(Even CNN Money says so!)
Image © Zach_Beauvais | flickr
But it’s not just the folks at the CIA who can benefit from multilingual employees.
Image © khrawlings | flickr
So, why should companies make the investment in their employees’ language skills?
Reach out to bilingual customers.
For global businesses,
this one is a no-brainer!
Image © Groume | Flickr
But small, domestic businesses must consider that the U.S. in
one of the most diverse countries in the world.
Image © redjar | Flickr
The 2011 Census reports that 20.8% of U.S. residents speak a language other than English
at home.
Image © woodleywonderworks | Flickr
Investing in employees’ language skills can help reach a
wider audience… even domestically!
Image © Amber de Bruin| Flickr
Multilingual advertisers, sales reps, and customer service reps allow companies to reach and serve new audiences
at home and abroad.
Image © Willy D | Flickr
Bring new perspectives to a team.
Native-born bilinguals have grown up seeing different parts of the world or experiencing life through
different perspectives.
Image © Steve Conry | Flickr
Late-life language learners are in the middle of that creative, transformative process.
Image © Siona Karen| Flickr
A multi-lingual team is a diverse team. Diversity allows companies to approach problems from different angles
and bring different experiences to the table.
Image © jblyberg | Flickr
Brush up on critical English skills.
When we say “language skills” we don’t just mean foreign languages.
English is a dominant language in the business world.
Some employees need to brush up on English to improve other skills, like formal writing or public speaking.
Others may need to master industry-specific terminology.
Image © greeblie | Flickr
Advanced competency of English facilitates better communication and collaboration,
both internally and externally.
Image © Accelerating Change. Together. | Flickr
Strengthen complementary professional skills.
Learning a new language challenges and engages your brain in new ways. It’s a mental work out that
enhances the mind.
Image © Rinus Reeders | Flickr
Bilingualism from an early age can result in higher cognitive functioning,
such as better problem-solving skills.
Image © Timothy Tsui
But learning a language at any age literally causes your brain to grow.
Current language learners are building bigger vocabulary and improving listening, writing, and other
communication skills.
Languages are intricate. Studying one teaches you to develop good habits, including patience and persistence.
Who wouldn’t want employees who listen intently, speak clearly, and have the discipline to work hard?
Attract better employees and increase morale.
When employees receive new opportunities and training,
they feel valued.
Image © mandiberg | Flickr
When employees receive new opportunities and training,
they feel valued.
Image © mandiberg | Flickr
That feeling translates into increased morale and
performance, not to mention lower turnover rates.
Companies with reputations for
happy employees generally attract better applicants
when hiring.
And with a bigger, better team, that small, domestic business just might grow into a large,
international one!
Ready to invest in your employees’ language skills? Connect with Transparent Language:
http://www.transparent.com/corporate/