Language learning is a great way to improve employees’ skills and promote a positive and inclusive workplace. It offers many benefits but one of the most important one is that it ensures everyone's voice is heard. Employees who feel heard, also feel valued and, as a result, are generally happier. This will directly impact their productivity too, as language learning helps them develop strong working relationships and improve team communication. Language learning helps to promote a diverse and inclusive workspace, helping employees become more culturally aware and, in turn, have a positive impact.
Language learning relates to learning a new language that is not native to your own. There are many ways this can be implemented within a business, such as through training providers. These allow employees to learn at their own pace, taking advantage of lessons that can be studied in their own time or as part of a team. Exercises are usually of varying levels and are taught by experts. Live 1-1 or group sessions are often offered as well, which is a good way to boost confidence in a chosen language. When language learning is offered within a business, employees will feel more connected and supported.
Language training is a fantastic way to boost inclusivity in the workplace.
Inclusivity applies to a range of things, not just culture, but also age, sexuality, gender, social background and language. Embracing such differences within a workplace is a great way to engage all individuals, promote differences and strengthen connections. Inclusive businesses should always make sure that employees feel supported, safe and included within the workplace, regardless of their circumstances or background, so that they can succeed.
When inclusivity is promoted and individuals' differences are embraced, their unique characteristics become a true strength and even a competitive advantage. It also places your business in a positive light, boosting the employer brand and highlighting it as a place others want to work for, one that is more likely to be recommended to others. When individuals feel more accepted and included, a company's community will begin to grow and employee turnover will be reduced. Also, when your team is encouraged to speak out and use their voice, you’re naturally unveiling new ideas and encouraging contribution, sparking creativity and innovative ideas.
To create a positive reputation and grow your business moving forward, inclusivity should be a priority, and fostering language learning is an innovative way to do this. Organisations that include diversity and inclusion in their expansion plans will be the ones that succeed in the long run. And language learning is a key component of that. They will be able to hire from all over the world, knowing they can keep strong internal and external communication, allowing them to grow their business internationally. Language training leads to better communication and better communication leads to more inclusivity. With language barriers removed and other languages being embraced, businesses will naturally promote diversity.
Language learning can also influence your corporate culture and make it more inclusive. By training your employees on culture and languages, it can help your workforce become more culturally aware and understand the subtleties of interaction and communication in different countries, for instance. When it comes to global marketplaces, this can be a make-or-break business deal with overseas clients. Learning courses can be tailored to suit the needs of your business, including cultural concepts of your brand, along with specific grammar and vocabulary.
With language learning allowing companies to grow internationally, whilst still maintaining the company culture, organisations can support their team with training, making a positive impact on their business, workforce, and clients.
Educating teams will help to limit the risk of unintentional discriminatory cases that could upset or offend. Addressing these issues and making language a priority can help to minimise the risk of someone saying something that could be deemed offensive.
Want to find out more? Discover strategies to improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace.