Did you know that in the United States, 1% of Americans speak another language* Yet 20% of jobs are international?
*learned at school
This language learning deficit clearly puts US-based firms at a competitive disadvantage.
Given the globalization of the world, it’s not just commonplace to have a language strategy, it’s a necessity – and not only for firms with cross-border activities.
And while you consider the value of the following points, keep in mind that hard numbers back up investments in L&D and training employees. A recent Accenture study found that every dollar spent on training got a $4.53 return. That’s an ROI of 353%!
*learned at school
This language learning deficit clearly puts US-based firms at a competitive disadvantage.
Given the globalization of the world, it’s not just commonplace to have a language strategy, it’s a necessity – and not only for firms with cross-border activities.
And while you consider the value of the following points, keep in mind that hard numbers back up investments in L&D and training employees. A recent Accenture study found that every dollar spent on training got a $4.53 return. That’s an ROI of 353%!
The question becomes ‘can you afford to not have a language strategy’?

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2. Innovate Faster
The act of learning a new language in and of itself provides a multitude of cognitive benefits, useful for life in the workforce and outside of it. Researchers continue to find that language learners demonstrate higher levels of executive function, directly impacting one’s concentration and planning capabilities.
Other studies show that beyond building stronger critical thinking skills, the act of language learning can boost one’s empathy, given the perspective-shifting that takes place when communicating in another language.
The ability to innovate ultimately rests on:
Other studies show that beyond building stronger critical thinking skills, the act of language learning can boost one’s empathy, given the perspective-shifting that takes place when communicating in another language.
The ability to innovate ultimately rests on:
- Team interdependence and the ability to communicate
- Fast decision making
- Creative and critical thinking
These attributes are critical for any high performing team and rank second and third on the World Economic Forum’s top ten list of skills employees will need to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Interested in learning more about our Language at Work Program? Schedule a Discovery Call Today
Google discovered that their highest performing teams were those that consisted of individuals with strong soft skills, including good communication, collaboration, and empathetic leadership.
The good news is that speaking a 2nd or 3rd language not only is a soft skill but in turn promotes the growth of these other soft skills.
4. Sales & Bottom Line Growth
Consider the most direct impact on revenue. As the saying goes:
“You buy in your own language and you sell in your customer’s language…”
Consider the lost revenue if customers insist on buying in their own language and you’re contracting with somebody who may speak the language but not understand the cultural norms needed to complete the sale. While some clients may not be explicit about the fact that they prefer to buy in their own language, connecting to people in their own language (which, again, goes with understanding a culture…) is where trust is built.
Exceptional customer service after all equates to a buyer’s journey that is in most instances a relationship built over time and through trust. Given the immense power of language to truly connect people, we can only consider it a lost opportunity to not invest in language and culture.
“Speak To People In A Language They Understand, It Goes To The Head; Speak To Them In Their Own Language, It Goes To The Heart.” – Nelson Mandela
