Five Tips for Choosing an ROI-Wise Business Language Training for Your Employees

If you have been anywhere around the business world lately, then you have probably heard about how beneficial business language training can be for your company. You may know about how great it will be for your business’s bottom line, and how it will go a long way to benefit your employees. The real question is: how should you best go about selecting an ROI-wise business language training course? Well, good news! That is what we are here to discuss today.

Here are five points for choosing a great language training program to incorporate into your company training.

1. Think about the company’s needs
   Why is it you are looking to incorporate a business language training program? Ask yourself if it is “needs-based” or “wants-based,” as that will give a little insight into what you need to look for. If it is something that you want to incorporate for a little additional professional development, you may not need something as in-depth. If it is needs-based, such as needing to train employees for overseas assignments, then you may need to invest in something more intensive. According to research done by Pearson, “while 92% of global employees report that English is important for their career progression, only 7% of non-native English speakers in global companies believe they can communicate effectively at work - for example, when using English in emails, conversations, phone calls or meetings.” Essentially, you may find yourself with different views on want or need.
2. See what the digital requirements may be
   A key to a good language training program is that it can be flexible across a variety of platforms and devices. It also should be accessible on- or offline, for those employees without constant access to the internet. Make sure that the program you choose is easily accessible, easy to navigate for your employees, and flexible for use across many types of platforms. This will be the best way to ensure that you are getting the best bang for your buck with business language learning.
3. Think about the future
   While you are making these decisions that can affect the entire future of your company, you will need to consider what that may mean. Whichever provider you invest in now will probably be one you will continue to work with in the future, so you should look at the growth opportunities built into their course offerings. If you can get that set up early in the game, you will be able to stay ahead of the curve and keep a good relationship with your course provider.
4. How is their customer service?
   This can be a big thing to consider in terms of ROI for a business language program. You need to know that the company chosen will be able to assist you at any time that you may have problems. You should check their professionalism in communication and ensure that they will meet your standards. If they will not be able to keep up with your needs or will not match the level of professionalism that you need, move on to a different provider.
5. Think about the cost of unconscious bias in your workplace
   This often gets overlooked, but it is just as important a tip as the rest. These unconscious biases will potentially affect how your employees will react to and accomplish their language training course. Did you know that an employee may lose out on a promotion or be treated differently purely based on accents? It has been shown that managers could have an unconscious bias that causes them to think that employees with accents are less capable, even if they speak fully functional English. Adding a business language course to your company training can help to alleviate this problem while giving your employees chances to grow and develop in their roles and feel more comfortable speaking to their managers and fellow employees.

These are just a few of the tips to keep in mind while you are looking for the perfect ROI-wise business language training program for your company. No matter which company you decide to select for your business language training, just be sure to find one that will work with you and your company’s needs.

If you have any other questions or are just wanting to get as much information as possible before setting up a language training program for your company, feel free to check out more of our blogs!