Why your performance management strategy needs language learning

Samantha Ball
Two business people both looking at a computer screen, gesturing and smiling.

The modern workplace is constantly evolving and undergoing a paradigm shift in performance management. The focus is now on fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, rather than merely holding employees accountable. It is particularly important to prioritize this shift when it comes to enhancing language and communication skills within your team.

It is important to connect performance management with language learning goals, as English skills are highly valued by both employees and businesses.

Performance management strategies and language learning
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Identifying a gap

So, you have identified a lack of English language proficiency within your team, and want to implement a performance management plan for the professional development of your staff.ÌýNow let’s look at how you can use your performance management system to effectively address this gap and support employees in their career advancement.

1. Map individual learning goals to business needs

It is important to understand your business's needs and aims before setting language learning goals. You need to determine whether you want to improve skills like technical written English for documents, spoken English for customer service, or prepare your team for a new market.

By aligning individual language learning goals with business priorities, your performance management plan becomes a strategic tool that benefits both employees and the overall business.

Example: Make your customer service more effective by improving the team’s spoken English.

2. Understand employees' language learning needs

To get an idea about your team's current language proficiency and personal preferences, you can conduct surveys and individual interviews. By gathering information about their confidence levels, preferred learning styles, and objectives, you can create a customized language learning plan that motivates them to achieve their goals. This approach ensures that your team members actively participate in shaping their language development. One way to evaluate language proficiency is by using assessments such as Versant tests.

Example: Build your employees’ confidence when doing workplace tasks, such as presenting in English, by expanding their business English vocabulary.

3. Fair performance management

An effective performance management system is crucial for achieving success in any organization. It is essential that managers possess the necessary tools and expertise to provide unbiased appraisals. In the context of language learning, this means ensuring that all employees have equal access to opportunities for developing their Workplace English skills.

A positive and supportive work culture encourages managers to conduct appraisals that contribute to the growth and development of all team members.

Example: Offer Business English skills development to every employee.

4. Regularly monitor progress

Language skills require consistent practice, making continuous feedback essential. Conduct baseline skill assessments using tools like Versant by ɫèAV and complement them with interactive language learning platforms like Mondly by ɫèAV. Establish a continuous feedback loop to monitor progress and set realistic goals for employees, using each performance review as an opportunity to review and refine language learning objectives.

Example: Improve your team’s language retention with daily practice in the Mondly by ɫèAV app.

Workplace language program checklist

Use this checklist to ensure that progress is being measured effectively and that the corporate language program is suited to the business and your employees’ language needs.

  1. Are individual language learning goals aligned with business priorities?
  2. Do managers feel equipped and supported to deliver fair and effective appraisals?
  3. Is suitable and progressive learning technology in place to support the learning process?
  4. Is progress monitored and assessed all year round?

Integrating language learning into your performance management system is a strategic investment. It benefits both your employees' development and the success of your business. By aligning individual goals with business needs, understanding your team's preferences, ensuring fairness in appraisals, and maintaining continuous monitoring, you can create a performance management system. This system addresses language skills gaps and also fosters a culture of perpetual learning and improvement.

Not sure where to start for your organization? ɫèAV offers language learning solutions for work to help boost your employee's language skills.

Want to learn more? Read the long-form article for more or explore our language learning and assessment tools for businesses.

You might also be interested in our post 'Language proficiency and succession planning: Developing future leaders'

ɫèAV Language learning solutions for Work

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    2. Language proficiency

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    Academic enrichment

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    Career opportunities

    Experience abroad signals to employers that you possess qualities like independence, adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills. These attributes are highly sought after in today’s job market. Moreover, the networking opportunities during your exchange can open doors to international internships, job placements and collaborations that might not have been available otherwise.

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    Building independence and resilience

    Living away from home in a completely new environment challenges you to become more self-reliant and adaptable. You'll develop problem-solving skills, resilience and the ability to thrive outside of your comfort zone. These experiences build character and prepare you for future challenges, both personally and professionally.

    Forming lifelong connections

    The friendships and connections you make during your exchange program can last a lifetime. You'll meet people from various backgrounds, creating a global network of peers and mentors. These relationships can provide support, inspiration and opportunities long after your exchange program ends.

    Boosting confidence

    Successfully navigating life in a foreign country, mastering a new language, and achieving academic success abroad can significantly boost your confidence. This newfound self-assurance can positively impact all areas of your life, giving you the courage to pursue further opportunities and take on new challenges.

    5. Engaging with the local community

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    Many exchange programs encourage participants to engage with their host communities through volunteer work or community projects. This engagement allows you to give back to your host country, gain a deeper understanding of local issues, and develop a sense of global citizenship. It's a rewarding experience that fosters empathy and reinforces the importance of contributing to the wider world.

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    Conclusion

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