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 ɫèAV

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 ɫèAV

  • A teacher with children stood over a globe of the world, with children pointing to it

    Using gamification in teaching: Engage, educate and excite

    By
    Reading time: 6 minutes

    In an era where student engagement can be as challenging as the teaching itself, educators are constantly seeking innovative ways to capture attention and enhance learning. Gamification has emerged as a dynamic solution, promising to turn education into a more engaging and enjoyable experience. But what does gamification really entail, and how can it be effectively implemented in teaching? Let’s have a look:

  • A group of students celebrating results

    Understanding your PTE test scores and university entry requirements

    By
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    So you've just received your PTE score and are looking at what to make of them and what universities you can apply to. Don't stress, we've got you covered.

    Whether you're an international student or already a professional looking to upskill, PTE is a crucial milestone on your academic and career journey.

    Understanding your PTE scores is vital for self-assessment and university admission requirements globally. Read on to find out how PTE academic scores impact university admissions when you're a test taker looking at studying abroad.

  • A woman holding a book to her face, reading in a bookstore with shelves of books behind her

    Fantasy, the English language and Tolkien

    By
    Reading time: 6 minutes

    A large number of well-known writers have often created or coined words that are used in everyday English. When you think of authors, prominent figures like Shakespeare may come to mind. He enriched the English language with words like "amazement," "bedazzled," and "fashionable." Charles Dickens introduced "boredom," showcasing his talent for capturing profound human emotions and societal issues in a single word. Lewis Carroll added whimsical words to our lexicon, including "chortle," a delightful mix of 'chuckle' and 'snort.'

    But Tolkien is another one of those authors who has added to the English language's colorful dictionary. Tolkien did not just create worlds; he also enriched our language, adding a lexicon that elicits the smell of mead in crowded halls and the sight of smoky mountains veiled in mystery. Language enthusiasts and fantasy fans alike join us on this philological adventure as we uncover the words that J.R.R. Tolkien, the mastermind behind Middle-earth, either coined or brought into the limelight.