Workforce skills support: How language training promotes team growth

As we navigate the ever-evolving dynamics of the modern workplace, the continuous learning and upskilling of employees becomes a necessity rather than a luxury.

The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report has highlighted a number of skill requirements that employers must consider for their workforce to thrive in the next five years. This article aims to explore how language training can be an invaluable tool for team growth, supporting the acquisition and honing of these key skills.

Understanding the Skill Requirements of the Future Workforce

The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report is a comprehensive forecast of the jobs and skills landscape of the future. It reveals a significant shift in the core skills required for workers to stay relevant. By 2025, the report predicts that 50% of all employees will need reskilling, with critical thinking and problem-solving topping the list of skills employers believe will be most crucial.

unnamed (1)

Interestingly, the report also introduces self-management skills like active learning, resilience, stress tolerance, and flexibility as newly emerging skill requirements. In light of these findings, you may wonder how best to equip your workforce with these essential skills. This is where language training enters the picture.

The Role of Language Training in Supporting Workforce Skills

Learning a new language isn't just about expanding your vocabulary or grasping the nuances of grammar. It involves rigorous cognitive exercises that promote critical thinking and problem-solving, key skills identified for future growth. Furthermore, language learning involves a high degree of active learning, resilience in the face of initial difficulty, and the flexibility to understand and appreciate different cultural contexts.

Language training can positively affect team growth, by enhancing communication, fostering cultural understanding, and improving overall team collaboration. Moreover, language training can be a valuable component of reskilling initiatives, helping employees adapt to changing job roles in our increasingly globalised work environment.

Approaches to Implementing Language Training

Employers have a range of options when it comes to delivering language training to their workforce:

The Future of Jobs Report indicates that training will be delivered internally for many organisations, supplemented by online learning platforms and external consultants.
The rise of technology has made it easier than ever to incorporate language learning into employees' schedules, with AI tools offering personalised learning experiences.
Furthermore, employers should consider integrating language training into broader employee reskilling initiatives. This not only provides employees with valuable language skills but also encourages a culture of continuous learning, which is critical in today's fast-paced work environment.

The Future of Language Training in the Workforce

Given the predicted skills gap and the ever-increasing importance of global communication, language training is likely to become an integral part of workforce development. As technology continues to advance, we can expect the methods of language training to evolve and become more efficient and personalised. The Busuu language learning programme ensures that there are a number of methods and ways to learn, ensuring that technological advances have been considered and catered for.

Takeaways

In conclusion, language training promotes team growth and equips employees with the skills they need to thrive in the future.
As we continue to navigate the changing landscape of work, creating a culture of continuous learning- encompassing language learning, amongst other skills- will be critical.
To gain more insight into this important topic, download our free eBook titled "The ROI of Learning: How Learning Improves Companies’ Time Management and Development".