Overcoming Business Challenges: Language Learning in Lockdown

In today’s remarkable era, learning new languages has become not only increasingly popular but also vital for business expansion and success.

Remote work is revolutionizing global job opportunities, allowing individuals to collaborate with companies thousands of miles away—all from the comfort of their own homes. A notable example of this trend is Spotify, which recently made headlines by embracing a “work from anywhere” policy. This significant shift marks one of the most transformative changes in the way we work today.

With the rapid pace of internationalization, especially accelerated by events like COVID-19, the demand for language skills is soaring. Being multilingual not only enhances career prospects but also enables businesses to tap into wider markets, creating a wealth of opportunities for professionals.

Businesses rely on intercultural communication to form international partnerships, to serve customers overseas, and to help their employees progress.

Global demand for languages keeps growing

In today’s global marketplace, multilingualism is a valuable asset. A 2019 survey by The Language Educator revealed that nearly 25% of U.S. employers reported missing out on business opportunities due to a shortage of foreign language skills within their teams. This highlights the growing demand for individuals who can bridge language gaps and enhance communication in diverse environments.

A multilingual and diverse workforce is essential for businesses aiming to connect with both existing customers and prospective clients. According to a report by Language Educator, U.S. companies recognize the importance of multilingual employees for maintaining a competitive edge. In fact, 90% of employers rely on their teams to possess language skills beyond English. Furthermore, 56% believe that the demand for foreign language capabilities has risen over the past five years and will keep growing.

Key sectors like healthcare, professional services, and construction are anticipating a growing dependence on multilingual professionals in the coming years. This shift highlights the increasing importance of language skills in effectively serving diverse communities and enhancing collaboration across various fields.

The language gap isn’t limited to U.S. businesses; it’s a pressing issue in the UK as well. A 2014 CBI/Pearson Education survey revealed a significant shortage of foreign language speakers in the country. The report highlighted that as companies aim to expand into emerging markets, the demand for language skills is expected to rise even further.

The British Academy has estimated that the U.K.’s language deficit costs the economy a staggering 3.5% of its GDP. In light of this, the Academy emphasizes that investing in language learning is crucial for the country’s recovery from the pandemic.

As businesses continue to globalize, the demand for language skills has surged, leading to a proliferation of apps, platforms, and online resources for language learning. The onset of COVID-19 lockdowns in March 2020 further accelerated this trend, resulting in a dramatic increase in individuals seeking to learn new languages through these digital tools.

How COVID-19 changed language learning

The pandemic has forced us to prioritize social distancing, leading to a decline in regular human interaction. Interestingly, this challenging time has also sparked a surge in language learning, with more people than ever taking the opportunity to study English and other foreign languages during COVID-19.

In 2020, language learning apps such as Duolingo experienced a remarkable 67% surge in global users compared to the previous year. Notably, the U.K., often characterized by its monolingual culture, recorded an impressive 132% increase in new users—nearly double the global average.

At LingualNeeds, we’ve experienced a remarkable surge in new users over the past year, along with increased engagement in language learning sessions with tutors. Following the onset of the lockdown in March 2020, we witnessed a significant influx of individuals eager to learn a new language through our online tutoring services.

The pandemic was a match that lit the fire for language learning. But why?

A recent survey by the British Council revealed that many adults in the UK regret not learning a foreign language earlier in life. While only 9% of participants maintained the language skills they acquired in school, a significant 64% expressed a desire to have done so. The pandemic created a unique opportunity for reflection, as people found themselves with more time to explore new interests, leading to a notable increase in language learning during this period.

Let’s not view language learning merely as a pastime during the pandemic; it’s a lifelong skill that opens doors. To explore this further, we talked to professionals who actively use foreign languages in their daily work. We aimed to uncover their motivations for pursuing language study during COVID-19.

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The benefits of learning a language for business

The individuals we interviewed have successfully integrated study hours into their hectic routines, driven by the necessity of using the language for daily communication. We were also eager to uncover their primary motivations for learning a language in the first place.

Initial findings from our survey reveal that fluency in the primary language of your industry or target market offers significant advantages for your business:

• Language increases clarity in communication, allowing for a more close and collaborative experience with colleagues.
• Language stimulates the opportunity for international business partnerships and global growth.
• Language increases the amount of opportunities to develop skills, and enhances career progression.
• Language helps customers feel more supported.

In the daily routine of working professionals, effective communication with colleagues is essential. Investing in business language training proves to be a smart financial decision for companies. When employees can express themselves clearly, it not only minimizes time spent on resolving issues but also reduces the likelihood of mistakes. Furthermore, mastering the language fosters a stronger sense of connection among team members, enhancing collaboration and camaraderie.

Our survey revealed that effective communication with business partners is the second most important factor for success. Sharing a common language fosters a stronger, more personal connection. Additionally, understanding speeches at lectures, conferences, and other self-improvement resources ranked third in significance. Mastering a new language not only enhances your ability to absorb information but also empowers you to develop valuable skills.

The primary driving force behind learning a second language is the desire for professional advancement. Clear and confident communication can unlock a wealth of career opportunities, enhancing both roles and salaries. Language learners strengthen relationships with partners and clients, boosting their own value and contributing to business success. Additionally, engaging with resources, lectures, and conferences in a new language helps them develop essential soft and hard skills for career growth.

Leaders share the business benefits of language diversity

The information we’ve provided offers a glimpse into the vital role languages play for both employees and businesses. To explore this topic further, we consulted two business leaders about how multilingualism is driving growth in their organizations.

Elizabeth Jones
Head of Program Management at Seedstars

The necessity for multilingual communication largely hinges on your business type. If you cater to a niche, local audience, you may not need to prioritize multiple languages. However, for businesses with a broader international reach—such as restaurants frequented by tourists—offering services in various languages is essential for success.

Learning a second language was a transformative experience that significantly boosted my personal and professional development. While the COVID-19 pandemic may not have drastically altered the global landscape, it has certainly highlighted the importance of multilingualism. The world was already interconnected before the pandemic, but the past year has likely intensified the demand for language skills even further.

For global companies like Seedstars, multilingualism may not be the sole deciding factor in hiring, but it certainly sets us apart. Most of our team members speak at least two languages, enabling effective communication across diverse regions. As a fully remote company, we can tap into talent from around the world without limitations. This approach not only enriches our team with a wide array of skills but also fosters a vibrant and diverse work environment.

Job-seekers, listen up! In our increasingly virtual world post-COVID, strong communication skills have never been more essential. Be sure to present your talents clearly and succinctly, and emphasize what sets you apart from the competition—whether it’s your language skills, unique life experiences, or other qualities. Don’t just submit your application and wait in silence; take the initiative to connect with hiring managers directly. Going the extra mile can make a significant difference in your job search!

Michael Liu
Co-Founder at Boostcamp

Boostcamp is a free fitness education app dedicated to making fitness accessible for all. To further this mission, we’re excited to announce that we will be launching versions of our app in Chinese, Spanish, and other languages. Currently, we have a talented engineer from China on our team, and we collaborate using a blend of English and Mandarin to foster effective communication.

We are excited to announce our ongoing efforts to grow our remote team across various international locations. A key criterion in our hiring process is multilingualism, which we believe enhances collaboration and strengthens our teams. As we aim to build high-performing remote teams, we recognize the importance of language diversity. Looking ahead, we are particularly interested in partnering with certified coaches who can communicate in Chinese, Spanish, and other languages, enabling us to connect with a broader audience around the world.

The transition to remote work has transformed our hiring practices significantly. We’ve realized that employees can be just as effective working from home as they are in the office, which has greatly expanded our talent pool. Now, we’re excited to recruit candidates from around the globe!

Global businesses need global communication

Language unlocks a world of exciting possibilities for both businesses and employees. In this article, we delve into the numerous benefits of multilingualism and intercultural communication. These skills enhance workplace relationships, facilitate international partnerships, enable companies to better cater to a global customer base, and empower professionals to broaden their skill sets.

As the pandemic accelerates our move toward a more interconnected world, learning a new language becomes far more than just a pastime. Embracing a new language opens the door to cultural integration, fostering meaningful connections that can drive personal and business growth.