Corporate language training: A catalyst for professional growth and business success

Effective communication strengthens the success of any organization in many facets of business – from people management to customer service, from ensuring safety to inspiring collaboration. 

Language barriers can therefore pose significant challenges, leading to misunderstandings, reduced productivity, compromised employee safety, and poor customer satisfaction. 

In an increasingly global economy, it’s vital to recognize and address language barriers. Improving cross-cultural communication not only helps organizations succeed globally, but it reduces financial risks linked to misunderstandings and errors.

As an example of just how costly miscommunications can be for organizations, research by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) shows nearly 25% of all work-related incidents are directly attributed to language barriers. Consider these implications of language barriers and poor communication:

• Unsafe machinery shutdown due to employees’ misunderstanding of instructions
• Cost summaries being misreported
• Offensive comments being inadvertently made to customers 

Whether financial, safety, or otherwise, risks can be mitigated through effective language training. A multitude of business opportunities can be gained by developing corporate teams that effectively operate across borders, cultures, and languages. Picture the benefits of:

•  Seamless collaboration across international teams
•  The ability to capitalise on global opportunities
•  Improved global customer satisfaction
•  Stronger international brand credibility 

The benefits of language training extend beyond risk mitigation, yielding numerous financial advantages for organizations in every industry. It acts as a catalyst for productivity and growth by fostering a dynamic work environment. 

7 ways to improve overall productivity and performance with language training 

1. Foster collaboration across culturally diverse teams

A diverse workforce is a tremendous asset, offering alternative perspectives and insights that drive business innovation and global success. 

Language training mitigates the risk of miscommunication and misunderstandings between employees, fostering a collaborative environment and reducing the chances of conflict. Clear communication not only improves employee satisfaction, it also promotes efficiency and productivity.

2. Ensure workplace safety and well-being

When evaluating the need for corporate language training, consider the following points:

•  Do all employees fully understand safety policies and company protocols?
•  Have language barriers ever impacted employee safety or well-being? 

Language training ensures that all employees, regardless of their linguistic or cultural background, comprehend safety protocols, have access to training, and can navigate company policies. This reduces the risk of accidents and non-compliance.

3. Improve support for culturally diverse customers

The ability to speak more than one language fosters effective communication and improves relationships with customers. 

Implementing language training helps minimize the risk of misunderstandings with customers, enhances customer satisfaction, and contributes to a positive brand image.

4. Optimize onboarding efficiency and boost retention 

Statistics show that 50% of frontline workers quit within the first 120 days at a new job. Research by Rosetta Stone unveils a compelling fact: Almost 60% of employees are more inclined to stay with employers offering corporate language training. 

Employees appreciate training that contributes to both their personal well-being and professional growth. Language training not only boosts retention but also mitigates the risk of losing skilled employees due to a lack of growth opportunities. It aligns individual and organizational goals, creating a more stable and productive workforce.

5. Foster camaraderie and accountability in the workplace

Workplace language barriers can prevent employees from meeting job expectations, leading to decreased output and frustration across culturally diverse teams. 

Language training addresses potential productivity challenges by ensuring all employees understand each other. This fosters a sense of equality and promotes accountability within the workforce.

6. Unlock career advancement opportunities

In culturally diverse organizations, language training fuels professional growth.  

Providing language training opens up career advancement opportunities for employees at all levels, mitigating the risk of talent stagnation and ensuring a continuous pipeline of experienced and diverse talent to support business growth.

Join 43,000+ organizations that have transformed corporate communication through language training with Rosetta Stone for Enterprise.

Rosetta Stone for Enterprise provides comprehensive employee language training and assessment solutions, enabling organizations in every industry to recruit, train, and retain multilingual teams. Elevated by industry-specific content, unlimited Live Tutoring, and industry-leading assessment options, our versatile web- and app-based curriculum addresses the specific language needs of every employee. 

Discover more at www.rosettastone.com/business