This document outlines 5 reasons why companies should invest in their employees' language skills. It argues that being multilingual expands a company's customer base, both domestically and internationally. It also claims that multilingual employees bring diverse perspectives and improved cognitive skills to a team. Additionally, learning languages strengthens complementary skills like communication, problem-solving, and persistence. The document concludes that investing in language training increases employee morale and attracts better job applicants.

1. 5
REASONS
EVERY COMPANY
SHOULD INVEST IN THE
LANGUAGE SKILLS
OF ITS EMPLOYEES

2. Fluency in a foreign language is
the
Image © Zach_Beauvais | flickr
hottest
job skill right now.

3. Fluency in a foreign language is
the
hottest
job skill right now.
(Even CNN Money says so!)
Image © Zach_Beauvais | flickr

4. But it’s not just the folks at the CIA who can
benefit from multilingual employees.
Image © khrawlings | flickr

5. So, why should companies make the investment
in their employees’ language skills?

6. Reach out to bilingual customers.

7. Image © Groume | Flickr
For global
businesses,
this one is a
no-brainer!

8. Image © redjar | Flickr
But small, domestic businesses
must consider that the U.S. in
one of the most diverse
countries in the world.

9. The 2011 Census reports that 20.8%
U.S. residents
of
speak a
language other than English
at home.
Image © woodleywonderworks | Flickr

10. Investing in employees’ language skills can help reach a
wider audience…
even domestically!
Image © Amber de Bruin| Flickr

11. Multilingual advertisers, sales reps, and customer service
reps allow companies to reach and serve new audiences
at home and abroad.
Image © Willy D | Flickr

12. Bring new perspectives to a team.

13. Image © Steve Conry | Flickr
Native-born bilinguals have grown up seeing different parts
of the world or experiencing life through
different perspectives.

14. Image © Siona Karen| Flickr
Late-life language learners are in the middle of that
creative, transformative process.

15. A multi-lingual team is a diverse team.
Diversity allows companies to approach problems from different angles
and bring different experiences to the table.
Image © jblyberg | Flickr

16. Brush up on
critical English skills.

17. When we say “language skills” we don’t just
mean foreign languages.

18. English is a
dominant language in the
business world.

19. Some employees need to brush up on English to improve
other skills, like
formal writing or public speaking.

20. Others may need to master
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industry-specific
terminology.

21. Advanced competency of English facilitates better
communication and collaboration,
both internally and externally.
Image © Accelerating Change. Together. | Flickr

22. Strengthen complementary professional skills.

23. Learning a new language challenges and engages
your brain in new ways. It’s a mental work out that
enhances the mind.
Image © Rinus Reeders | Flickr

24. Image © Timothy Tsui
Bilingualism from an early age can result in
higher cognitive functioning,
such as better problem-solving skills.

25. But learning a language at any age literally causes your
brain
to grow.

26. I mean literally grow!

27. Current language learners are building bigger vocabulary
and improving listening, writing, and other
communication skills.

28. Languages are intricate. Studying one teaches you to
develop good habits, including
patience and persistence.

29. Who wouldn’t want employees who listen intently, speak
clearly, and have the
discipline
to work hard?

30. Attract better employees and
increase morale.

31. Image © mandiberg | Flickr
When employees receive new opportunities and training,
they feel
valued.

32. Image © mandiberg | Flickr
When employees receive new opportunities and training,
they feel
valued.

33. That feeling translates into
performance,
increased morale and
not to mention lower turnover rates.

34. Companies with
reputations for
happy employees
generally attract
better applicants
when hiring.

35. And with a bigger, better team, that small,
domestic business just might grow into a large,
international one!

36. Ready to invest in your employees’ language skills?
Connect with Transparent Language:
http://www.transparent.com/corporate/