\u201cWith the myriad of things that are out of the control of businesses, learning foreign languages to speak to your employees, suppliers and customers need not be one of them,\u201d (Selko).<\/p>\n
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Addressing language skill gaps<\/strong><\/h3>\nA survey conducted for ACTFL reveals that many U.S. employers conduct business in languages other than English<\/a>. However, the study also highlights that numerous employers are unable to meet their organization\u2019s foreign language needs resulting in missed opportunities and business losses.<\/p>\n![\"findings](\"https:\/\/www.languagetesting.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/survey_findings-300x249.jpg\")
<\/a>Source: ACTFL<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nTo improve language skill gaps, the study recommends that U.S. businesses assess employees\u2019 linguistic proficiency and offer tailored language training<\/a> to both prospective candidates and current staff with the method that best fits their role in their workplace. While translation tools and technologies are convenient options, the study states that over two-thirds of employers rely on external language service providers (LSPs) to meet their organization\u2019s language needs. \u201cEvery language has its specific nuances and cultural references that machines have trouble fully understanding or articulating,\u201d (Polaszewski-Plath).<\/p>\nLanguage skill gap and its effects on productivity<\/strong><\/h3>\nLimited language skills in the workplace can lead to unnecessary rework of certain tasks and time wastage, especially in group projects. Effective collaboration hinges on clear communication among team members. When the channels of communication are unclear, the ability to work together effectively decreases. From a Human Resources standpoint, bilingual or multilingual employees who do not identify English as their primary language may be faced with inadequate language proficiency support in their workplace and may need more time to adapt and fully comprehend their roles and job duties. This situation may lead to reduced confidence in their capabilities and make them reluctant to take on new or certain tasks. It is important to mention that decision-making processes can also be affected, especially among monolingual English-speaking leaders within the company who might misinterpret communication gaps as lack of professional competency.<\/p>\n
When bilingual employees struggle with language learning or improving their linguistic skills while on the job, the impact on productivity is not only during the initial stages of employment, such as the onboarding process, but during subsequent training, where extra time and effort may be required. Likewise, in roles involving customers or clients, linguistic barriers can negatively impact the establishment of long-lasting relationships due to mishaps or serious errors.<\/p>\n
You can be proactive in finding solutions to the linguistic challenges that your company may be facing. Contact Language Testing International\u00ae (LTI)<\/a><\/strong>, a reliable language assessment provider with over thirty years of experience supporting the corporate sector, and bolster your employees\u2019 confidence by assessing and certifying their speaking, writing, listening, and reading abilities in other languages. As the exclusive licensee of ACTFL<\/a>, LTI administers valid and reliable language credentials in over 120 languages. When you verify your employees’ and prospective employees’ language skills with ACTFL language proficiency assessments, you can hire bilingual and multilingual talent with confidence.<\/p>\nSources<\/strong><\/p>\nAmerican Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the Lead with Languages Campaign commissioned Ipsos Public Affairs, with the support of Pearson LLC and Language Testing International. <\/em>(2019). \u201cMaking Languages Our Business: Addressing Foreign Language Demand Among U.S. Employers.\u201d https:\/\/www.leadwithlanguages.org\/report<\/a><\/p>\nPolaszewski-Plath, Annett. \u201cHow Companies Can Overcome Language Barriers To Tap Into Global Talent Pools.\u201d Forbes Business Council. Sep. 10, 2021. https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/forbesbusinesscouncil\/2021\/09\/10\/how-companies-can-overcome-language-barriers-to-tap-into-global-talent-pools<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/a>To improve language skill gaps, the study recommends that U.S. businesses assess employees\u2019 linguistic proficiency and offer tailored language training<\/a> to both prospective candidates and current staff with the method that best fits their role in their workplace. While translation tools and technologies are convenient options, the study states that over two-thirds of employers rely on external language service providers (LSPs) to meet their organization\u2019s language needs. \u201cEvery language has its specific nuances and cultural references that machines have trouble fully understanding or articulating,\u201d (Polaszewski-Plath).<\/p>\n Limited language skills in the workplace can lead to unnecessary rework of certain tasks and time wastage, especially in group projects. Effective collaboration hinges on clear communication among team members. When the channels of communication are unclear, the ability to work together effectively decreases. From a Human Resources standpoint, bilingual or multilingual employees who do not identify English as their primary language may be faced with inadequate language proficiency support in their workplace and may need more time to adapt and fully comprehend their roles and job duties. This situation may lead to reduced confidence in their capabilities and make them reluctant to take on new or certain tasks. It is important to mention that decision-making processes can also be affected, especially among monolingual English-speaking leaders within the company who might misinterpret communication gaps as lack of professional competency.<\/p>\n When bilingual employees struggle with language learning or improving their linguistic skills while on the job, the impact on productivity is not only during the initial stages of employment, such as the onboarding process, but during subsequent training, where extra time and effort may be required. Likewise, in roles involving customers or clients, linguistic barriers can negatively impact the establishment of long-lasting relationships due to mishaps or serious errors.<\/p>\n You can be proactive in finding solutions to the linguistic challenges that your company may be facing. Contact Language Testing International\u00ae (LTI)<\/a><\/strong>, a reliable language assessment provider with over thirty years of experience supporting the corporate sector, and bolster your employees\u2019 confidence by assessing and certifying their speaking, writing, listening, and reading abilities in other languages. As the exclusive licensee of ACTFL<\/a>, LTI administers valid and reliable language credentials in over 120 languages. When you verify your employees’ and prospective employees’ language skills with ACTFL language proficiency assessments, you can hire bilingual and multilingual talent with confidence.<\/p>\n Sources<\/strong><\/p>\n American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the Lead with Languages Campaign commissioned Ipsos Public Affairs, with the support of Pearson LLC and Language Testing International. <\/em>(2019). \u201cMaking Languages Our Business: Addressing Foreign Language Demand Among U.S. Employers.\u201d https:\/\/www.leadwithlanguages.org\/report<\/a><\/p>\n Polaszewski-Plath, Annett. \u201cHow Companies Can Overcome Language Barriers To Tap Into Global Talent Pools.\u201d Forbes Business Council. Sep. 10, 2021. https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/forbesbusinesscouncil\/2021\/09\/10\/how-companies-can-overcome-language-barriers-to-tap-into-global-talent-pools<\/a><\/p>\nLanguage skill gap and its effects on productivity<\/strong><\/h3>\n