In today's globalized economy, language skills are more than just a nice-to-have; they're a critical asset for businesses looking to expand their reach and boost their bottom line. In fact, language ignorance acts as a quasi-tax on businesses, costing them an estimated 7% in lost opportunities. Bilingual employees offer companies a competitive edge, enabling them to break into new markets and forge stronger connections with diverse customer bases. This blog post explores the compelling reasons for hiring bilingual talent and identifying existing linguistic assets within your organization.
Why Language Matters in Business Growth
Breaking Barriers to Markets at Home and Abroad
Companies that invest in language skills see tangible benefits in their export performance and ability to secure international contracts. Case studies from Europe demonstrate that businesses prioritizing multilingualism have significantly increased their exports and avoided missing out on lucrative opportunities. The research has led to a study of the “economics of multilingualism” in which it was discovered that language diversity in Switzerland generates 9% of GDP.
Imagine trying to sell a product in a foreign market where you can't speak the language - that's the reality for 70% of UK businesses! A 2013 survey by the British Chambers of Commerce revealed a shocking linguistic blind spot: most companies lack the language skills needed to effectively engage with international markets. Even more striking, over 95% of business owners were unable to speak basic Russian or Chinese, effectively shutting themselves out of some of the world's fastest-growing economic opportunities.
The Decline of English as the Sole Trade Language
Speaking your customer's language is more crucial than ever. The old mantra expressed by Willy Brandt, former German Chancellor, still rings true: "If I'm selling to you, I speak your language. But if I'm buying, dann müssen Sie Deutsch sprechen [then you have to speak German]." This customer-centric approach is backed by compelling data: 72.4% of consumers are more likely to purchase products when information is available in their native language. While English remains important in international business, its dominance is waning. From 2000 to 2009, English's importance in trade relations dropped from 51% to 29%, while Chinese rose from 5% to 20%. This shift underscores the growing need for businesses to embrace multilingualism to gain a competitive edge in global markets. Whether you are serving clients, patients, or expanding into new communities, hiring bilinguals can lead to success.
The ROI of Bilingual Employees
From Costs to Competitive Advantage
Imagine two neighboring businesses: Company A, which embraces multilingualism, and Company B, which sticks to English-only. Fast forward one year, and the difference is stark. Company A is celebrating a €440,000 increase in export sales, while Company B is scratching its head over a €75,000 loss. This isn't a fairy tale – it's the real-world impact of language skills on business performance.
Let's break it down:
The Language Ladder of Success (or to what degree companies embrace language):
Linguistic Novices: Only 33% hit the €750,000 annual export turnover mark
Language Adopters: 54% reach this milestone
Multilingual Mavens: A whopping 77% soar past €750,000
The German-French Faceoff:
German small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are linguistic powerhouses, with 63% billing over 50 international customers. French companies? Only 15% reach this level of global engagement.The Bilingual Boost:
Companies investing in language skills don't just see incremental growth – they're catapulting past competitors with an average €440,000 yearly increase in exports.
The message is clear: in today's global market, language skills aren't just nice to have – they're your ticket to explosive growth. So, are you ready to turn your team into a multilingual money-making machine?
Benefit from Critical Soft Skills that Accompany Bilingual Hires
In today's competitive job market, HR managers and employers are increasingly prioritizing soft skills in their hiring decisions. While many struggle to identify these elusive qualities, there's a simple solution hiding in plain sight: bilingualism. Research consistently shows that bilingual individuals not only bring valuable language skills to the table but also possess a range of critical soft skills that make them exceptional hires.
Bilingual candidates demonstrate superior problem-solving abilities, enhanced creativity, and stronger communication skills - all top priorities for employers according to the NACE Job Outlook 2024 survey. They excel in teamwork, exhibit greater empathy, and adapt more easily to diverse work environments. By hiring bilingual talent, companies aren't just gaining language capabilities; they're investing in employees with proven cognitive flexibility, cultural awareness, and the very soft skills that drive innovation, productivity, and success in the modern workplace. For HR professionals looking to unlock the talent code and secure high-performing team members, bilingual candidates offer a compelling and measurable advantage.
Leveraging Existing Linguistic Assets
Identifying Hidden Talent in Your Workforce
Unlock hidden potential within your workforce by leveraging the language skills of your current employees. Start by reviewing existing employee records for language-related qualifications or experience. Then, conduct an internal language skills survey to uncover untapped bilingual talent. Ask employees to self-assess their proficiency levels in speaking, reading, and writing various languages. Include questions about languages they use at home, in community settings, or in previous roles. This proactive approach not only identifies valuable language assets already within your organization, but also demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity and maximizing employee strengths. By capitalizing on in-house bilingual talent, you can enhance team collaboration, improve customer engagement, and gain a competitive edge in multilingual markets.
Actionable Steps to Boost Linguistic Competence
How to Get Started
Encourage hiring managers to view language skills as an investment, not a cost.
Conduct a comprehensive language skills audit of your current workforce.
Establish partnerships with universities for multilingual recruitment.
Develop a strategy for integrating language skills into your hiring criteria.
Offer language proficiency testing onside or remotely with online proctors.
Creating a Multilingual-Friendly Workplace
Offer language courses and support native speakers who want to strengthen their skills. Language training is not just beneficial for the company; it's also a top motivational tool for employees. A Central European Business Review study revealed that employees highly value employer-sponsored language education.
Collaborate with higher education institutions for language job-specific training (LSPs).
Establish an internal language mentorship program, encouraging bilingual employees to mentor others.
Recognize your bilinguals with a Global Seal of Biliteracy language certification at one of three levels of language proficiency: Functional Fluency, Working Fluency, and Professional Fluency.
In conclusion, hiring and supporting bilingual employees is not just a cultural nicety; it's a smart business move with tangible economic benefits. By viewing language skills as an investment rather than a cost, companies can unlock new markets, improve customer relations, and drive growth. Start by identifying and maximizing your current linguistic assets, and watch as your business expands its global footprint. As an added incentive, employees with language skills certified by the Global Seal of Biliteracy can share their certificate digitally and proudly add their certificate to a LinkedIn profile, further amplifying your reputation as a globally competitive employer.