Globalization is changing how companies work, where they choose to do business, and who they onboard. The demand for business English and communication skills has grown. The benefits of having a multilingual team are clearer every day.
Most companies use business English for their own internal processes. English is the most-used language in economics, science, digitalization, and technology. It is essential for global business. However, many companies with multilingual employees face challenges in communication.
Here we explain why business English and communication skills are important and the benefits they offer to companies.
What Is Business English?
Business English refers to the specialized use of the English language in a business or professional context. It involves the vocabulary, phrases, and communication skills necessary for effective communication in various business settings, such as meetings, emails, and phone conversations.
Business English and communication skills aim to improve language skills for the business world. This includes learning terms related to finance, marketing, sales, human resources, and other important areas. It also emphasizes the ability to understand and produce written documents such as reports, business correspondence, and presentations.
Many people highly value proficiency in business English because it enables effective communication with multilingual clients, colleagues, and partners. It helps individuals navigate cross-cultural communication challenges and enhance their professional credibility and opportunities for career advancement.
The Benefits of Business Communication Skills
Having strong business English and communication skills can make a big difference. It helps multilingual teams feel comfortable working together. When team members cannot communicate well, projects may be delayed. This can also put their safety at risk.
Employees who avoid speaking in English may not reach their full potential. This is especially true for customer service specialists. They need to respond quickly and smoothly to clients. To make these situations easier, practice using special terms, polite phrases, and common conversations. Focus on direct contact with customers, writing emails, and making phone calls.
When you can’t find the correct vocabulary in the work setting, it costs time and money. Good business English is important for everyone, not just management. It matters for any team with multilingual staff or customers.
Investing in English skills for professional life improves intercultural competence in training, customer service, and workplace conversations. That’s why Babbel’s business English portfolio includes specialized vocabulary for different sectors and the opportunity to practice listening comprehension and speaking skills for everyday work. With our digital language learning solution, you can implement a culture of lifelong learning at a low cost.
Frictionless communication is crucial for companies with multilingual workforces. In surveys, companies recognize that good English skills save time and resources, but also open and sustain new markets. Companies can also use business English to promote innovation and keep their appeal to international talent.
Digital language learning solutions like Babbel for Business are particularly well-suited to solving this problem. A study with Sodexo in the US found that many Spanish speakers had difficulty communicating. They struggled to talk with their English-speaking customers and coworkers. After a short time learning with Babbel, these employees improved their English language skills, resulting in better customer service.
How to Improve Multilingual Communication with Babbel
Many managers recognize the importance of improving their teams’ English speaking skills. However, concerns about costs and effectiveness often hold them back. Fortunately, digital language learning solutions like Babbel for Business simplify the process of overcoming communication barriers.
Digital language learning is one of the most accessible training methods available. It adapts to learners’ everyday work and skill levels, making it convenient to use anytime and anywhere. With a modest investment, companies can achieve significant long-term benefits.
In addition to providing quick learning outcomes, digital language solutions are both cost-effective and flexible. Team members can engage in lessons that fit their schedules.
Babbel offers targeted lessons in business English, covering essential topics such as meetings, teleconferences, business trips, and customer communication across 12 professional fields. This includes guidance on job-specific vocabulary. Furthermore, Babbel’s voice recognition feature allows users to practice pronunciation, enabling them to communicate confidently both within and outside the organization.
Setting Your Employees Up for Success
Miscommunication costs companies time and money. Fortunately, Babbel for Business’s courses give your employees the tools they need to improve business English and communication skills for the workplace.
To learn more about Babbel for Business and how we can improve Business English at your company, visit our website to schedule a demo today.
Improve Internal Communication to Reduce Language Barriers
Lead your multilingual team to success with better internal communication strategies and discover how Babbel for Business can improve language barriers across your organization in our new eBook.
