Now, more than ever, English has become that secret weapon for both employers and employees around the globe–it is the most used business language worldwide. Big businesses and industries have made it hard to ignore that English is universal, as they have made the language mandatory for their employees in an effort to remain competitive on a global scale. English is regarded as an official language in 54 countries of the world located in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and Australasia, including countries as varied as Malta, India, Belize, South Africa, Singapore and New Zealand. It is the first language of over 375 million people in the world and has been adopted as the language of news, politics, entertainment and culture. Combining native and non-native speakers, English is the most widely spoken language of the world. Because of that, those who speak it 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.
1. English is the Most Used Business Language
The truth is, English has become the universal language of business. No matter the country, the language is used as a level playing field, 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. 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 mandated English as 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.
2. Global Job Opportunities
If you are looking for unique career and employment opportunities in a faraway land or just seeking out new experiences, fluent English speakers are highly sought after by companies who operate internationally. Many companies expect candidates to speak English in interviews, paying 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.
3. Business Communication
Emails, memos, contracts, reports, and 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 as it has become the common language for business. It is the language most used in boardrooms and presentations, in private and public forums.
4. The Language of the Internet
Think of the most popular websites, social media platforms and applications used today. You’ll realise that they are all typically in English, and 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. Technology is primarily taught in English, and the research, advancements, and innovations businesses thrive on are recorded and communicated predominantly in English.
5. Work and Travel
If work and travel, or even relocating internationally is a dream for you or your family, your English skills 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 and negotiate in the right tone and manner, with accuracy.
6. No English, 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.
7. Teamwork and Collaboration
Multinational companies with satellite offices have deployed employees all over the world. This has called for a high level of collaboration and teamwork across countries and continents, with English as the common tongue. Ultimately, employees are required to be able to express themselves in meetings, emails, work chats and video calls 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 and avoids 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, learning the English language is a must.
