As the global market is constantly evolving and developing, so are businesses. Learning a language is no longer considered just a hobby, but more so a tool to broaden business-related horizons. Hiring language speakers is crucial for companies to expand their clientele and achieve their business goals. However, as recruiters for such a niche market, we have observed that while candidates may possess the necessary language proficiency, they lack the transferrable skills – and vice versa. Therefore, it is important to consider candidates with less language fluency where you, as an employer, can assist them in improving their language proficiency on the job. As there is already a shortage of language-speaking candidates, it is important to understand that lesser comprehension can still work within an organisation and grow your business at the same time. Here are our tips on how to language train your employees:
1. Provide employees with the right resources
Make use of language dictionaries and thesauruses, apps like Duolingo, and extensive programs such as Rosetta Stone. Dictionaries are particularly useful in enhancing your reading skills and ensures that your staff can understand statements and instructions from their colleagues. With many dictionary and thesaurus facilities available on the internet as well as in physical book form, they are easily accessible to use when required. Using a thesaurus can not only improve your employees’ understanding of the language, but it can expand their vocabulary.
Apps like Duolingo are a great way to develop your staff’s language skills in a fun and interactive way. It utilises games and quizzes – and the best part, it’s free. It’s great to use on the commute to work, or during free time and the educational benefits are endless.
Rosetta Stone is a highly accredited language-learning program that allow users access to over 20 languages. The Enterprise edition of the program focuses on helping employees and customers work together better by avoiding language barriers and retaining top talent by investing in staff to learn a sought-after skill. Using the Rosetta Stone program for your employees is extremely cost-effective, and definitely cheaper than hiring face-to-face tutors.
2. Use templated emails
To save time, using templated emails for your new employees with limited proficiency in your desired language develops their reading skills and familiarises them with the vocabulary. Eventually, the language used in the templates will become second nature and will also improve speaking and writing skills.
3. Operate a buddy system
The best way to learn a language or develop your staff’s existing skills is by conversing with a proficient speaker. This will boost their conversational abilities as well as uplift their confidence to speak the language. Overall fluency will also be improved.
Improving language skills is not only beneficial to businesses, but to the speakers themselves. Multilingual employees are an asset to companies and help to maintain that the business is not only surviving but thriving. Put these tips into practice to have a strong, multilingual workforce!