WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT BUSINESS LANGUAGES?
You know that in-company language training is vital for your business, and that’s why you’re here. You want to train your employees, you probably suspect that English is the most important language when it comes to business, but you want to know what else you can offer your employees to stay competitive.
Language training for companies is extremely important when it comes to rising to what the market demands. It’s just as relevant as having employees or a Human Resources department. And why’s that? Because in a globalised world, being good at your job specialty is not enough anymore.
You’re right. When it comes to language training for companies, English is the most important language your employees should dominate, but is it enough? In an increasingly competitive market, training your employees in English is vital but it’s not an advantage anymore. So as a Human Resources team member, your strategy needs to be one step ahead.
Keep reading and find out which are the most important business languages and the best way to implement language training for companies.
The importance of language training for companies
When it comes to in-company language training, most organisations tend to have the same approach: they demand the language skills needed for the position in their job search. That way, they only get a few candidates that either speak languages or lie on their resumes.
But you can take a different approach: one that ensures you get the best talent off your search: Ask your candidates if taking language training for companies is something they would be willing to do. Then offer language training for companies as part of the compensation package.
That way, the need to speak a certain language for a position acts as an attractive aspect of the job description instead of as a barrier that prevents you from getting the most talented people to work in your company.
The type of industries and markets is what’s going to determine which language your employees should speak for your business to compete in its economic sector.
The most important business languages
But which are the most important business languages? According to the latest statistics, English, French, Spanish and German are at the top ranking of the most demanded languages. But why?
English: It’s the universal business language. It’s the most spoken language in the world, and it’s also the one used by non-English-speaking countries’ populations in order to be able to communicate. As stated above, English is a must for business, but no longer a competitive advantage. So make sure your employees speak a decent level of English but go above and beyond when it comes to language training for companies.
French: often overlooked, French is an extremely important language for business. This language is spoken across all five continents and is an official language in many African economies that act as natural resource providers in the global economy. Also, it’s the second most spoken language in Europe. Some economic sectors where it’s important to speak French are fashion, tourism, hospitality, and diplomacy.
Spanish: Spanish is the second most spoken language globally. There are over 530 million Spanish speakers in the world, which positions Spanish after English in the top ranking. South America and Spain are the main regions that speak it, together with the United States. Spanish is almost a universal language and many markets will require to speak it if businesses want to stay competitive.
German: Being Germany one of the main economic powers in the EU, German language training is a must if your market locates in that region. Also, many important international business meetings are held in Germany, and being able to communicate in their mother tongue is something that will position your business above others.
Online training for companies: business languages
What’s the best way to train your employees in foreign languages for business? These complex times need simplicity. So online training for companies is the best option when it comes to corporate learning. But why?
Online training for companies increases the learning curve by providing flexibility and customisation over classroom rigidity and scheduled learning sessions. If you want your employees not only to commit to learning but also to be able to combine training with work, the training for companies you provide needs to be employee-centered.
Classroom training is outdated if you take into account today’s people’s needs. That’s why it’s extremely important that you consider online language training for companies.
The best methodology for business language training
Nowadays there are a lot of different options when it comes to training for companies. At Classgap for Enterprise, we designed a personalised and customised methodology that allows your company to leverage in-company training by providing high-standard resources.
Learn more about how you can use this methodology to train your employees here.
