Most industries in the United States are operating in a globalized economy. It is important to consider the needs of non-English speakers, especially in areas with large populations of immigrants or where multiple languages are spoken by your customer base. According to a survey entitled \u201cMaking Languages Our Business: Addressing Foreign Language Demand Among U.S. Employers\u201d that was conducted for ACTFL, the demand today across our nation for foreign language skills is greater than in previous years, and its sustained increase year after year is not expected to stop.<\/p>\n
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Expanding Language Access<\/strong><\/p>\n It is crucial for employers to be aware of the importance of hiring bilingual and multilingual employees to better serve their clientele in their preferred language, attracting new customers, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for inclusivity and diversity. There are different ways in which companies can expand language access and avoid losing business opportunities or new revenue streams. In addition to hiring multilingual employees or offering language training to your current team, one common option is providing translation and interpretation services, either in person, by phone, or virtually. It is important to take into consideration that expanding language access includes valuing different cultures and beliefs as well. Businesses that are looking for growth must understand that it is not just about getting rid of a language barrier but also about building trust and strong long-lasting relationships. Additionally, employers can always provide multilingual informational resources, content, and marketing to communicate and retain current customers and reach new ones, domestically or internationally.<\/p>\n Language Assessment Services<\/strong><\/p>\n Another effective solution to ensure expanding language access and guarantee clear and effective communication with customers in their preferred language, is partnering with a reliable language certification provider. Including language proficiency assessments as part of the employee recruitment process can help companies select the right bilingual candidates who can turn prospective customers into loyal clients. \u201cOnly about one-third of employers with foreign language needs conduct testing to assess the foreign language skills of applicants or employees,\u201d the ACTFL survey unveiled as well. This strategy can put companies at an advantage if applied in any industry\u2014from construction, hospitality, retail, and education to healthcare, manufacturing, entertainment, and technology.<\/p>\n Watch: Why Every Company Should Test for Language Proficiency<\/strong><\/p>\n