Now, more than ever, learning English or improving English is the secret weapon for both employers. Big businesses and industries make it hard to ignore that English is universal. The language is mandatory for many employees to stay competitive on a global scale. English is an official language in 54 countries. It is the first language of over 375 million people. It is even adopted as the language of news, politics, entertainment and culture. With native and non-native speakers, English is the most widely spoken language of the world. Because of that, those who learn English will have a skill that gets them through many international doors. While there are several reasons for learning the English language, 7 important business ones stand out.
English is the language of business
The truth is, English is the universal language of business. No matter the country, English levels the playing field. It’s a tool of negotiation and most importantly a way to connect people from other cultures. Even when Spain and France meet, they meet in English because they’ve previously learned English throughout their schooling. One of the biggest struggles multinational companies have is communication, and the better they do it, the more success they have. This is the reason many large corporations have said that English is their official language. It ensures that at least one significant hurdle is cleared. After all, they still have to deal with cultural, economical, political and social differences.
Global Job Opportunities
If you are looking for unique career and employment opportunities in a faraway land, fluent English speakers are highly sought after by companies who operate internationally. Many companies expect candidates to speak English in interviews. Employers pay close attention to pronunciation and how easily they can express themselves. In fact, if you are not a native English speaker, you have a significant advantage over other candidates and stand to earn more money by being bilingual in English and your native tongue.
Business Communication is in English – Learn English for Work
Emails, memos, contracts, reports, corporate documents are typical ways to communicate and establish protocols in the business world. But, dependent on the level of your fluency in English, this may be one of the barriers to communicating effectively in the trade and business world. Conducting business negotiations and transactions in English have become expected and typical. It has become the common language for business. English is also the language most used in boardrooms and presentations, in private and public forums.
The Language of the Internet is English
Think of the most popular websites, social media platforms and applications used today. You’ll realize that they are all typically in English. That’s because more English language users exist online than any other language. That means that any technology displaying strong English language will attract the largest possible number of users. This is why learning English is also important if you want to get a broad perspective on a topic. Also, technology is primarily taught in English. The research, advancements and innovations businesses thrive on are recorded and communicated predominantly in English.
Work and Travel is More Convenient if You Learn English
If work and travel, or even relocation internationally, is a dream for you or your family, learning English could be the thing to propel you there. Solid skills in written and spoken English are greatly desirable by businesses across the world. Companies are looking for employees who can use the English language to communicate. They also want employees to negotiate in the right tone and manner, with accuracy.
Not Learning English Could Mean No Work in some Industries
There are industries where English is unavoidable—Shipping, Airline, Translation, Healthcare, Law and Hospitality, to name a few. Because these vocations require English upon entry, having advanced skills in speaking and writing English will get you through the door and many times be the reason for future promotions.
Knowing English is Important for Teamwork and Collaboration
Multinational companies with satellite offices deploy employees all over the world. This calls for a high level of collaboration and teamwork across countries and continents, with English as the common tongue. Ultimately, employees need to be able to express themselves in meetings, emails, work chats and video calls. They also need to network and collaborate on team projects and tasks. You need to ensure you can be completely understood by your colleagues. English proficiency facilitates better communication and interpersonal skills. It also helps avoid misunderstandings that might be detrimental to your job.
Mastering the English language is a catalyst for businesses and professionals alike. The opportunities are endless as the world continues to lean on the English language as its most effective common denominator. If you are seeking a skill that will launch you in the business world, the English language is a must.
Fluency Corp can help your employees with learning English or improving it – even accent courses. If you’re a company, reach out to us here at Fluency Corp. If you’re an individual that will not be purchasing lessons for multiple employees at your company, check out our page for individuals at www.trufluency.com.