Non-native speakers experience many obstacles due to language barriers, especially in their careers. Through this article, find out how language training is one of the best ways to support non-native speakers in career readiness.
Moving to a new place to start a new life is difficult. Not only do you have to think about having to adjust to a new set of customs and culture, but you also have to learn how to start from scratch. So being able to communicate, especially with people across different cultures, becomes all the more important.
But what happens to those who speak a different language? Non-native speakers, especially immigrants who work blue-collar jobs or are on the frontline, struggle as they face this challenge that puts them at a significant career disadvantage.
But with more and more organizations hiring non-native speakers as part of their staff, how can we ensure that they’re properly supported in their career progression?
This article will explore the struggles of non-native speakers related to career advancement, showing how language training effectively supports them in their career journey.
The Career Struggle of Non-native Speakers and Immigrants
Non-native speakers hoping to enter specific job fields face barriers. According to the Institution of Labor Economics (IZA), limited language proficiency is a factor that prevents non-native speakers from receiving callbacks to job interviews. This is because having a higher linguistic ability is necessary for many jobs, such as in research, academic, political, and science fields.
Furthermore, a lack of language proficiency limits their ability to get better employment opportunities further down the line.
This problem doesn’t just affect speakers. Organizations are also affected as bringing diverse teams together can present challenges. These challenges can also include having to deal with language barriers, complying with complex labor laws, and integrating new members into existing teams. Hiring non-native speakers without giving them the appropriate support can cause misunderstandings and miscommunication. Organizations should acknowledge these obstacles and prioritize addressing them.
Breaking Barriers: The Value of Language Training
More and more organizations are expanding in scale and scope, and because of this, they rely on hiring non-native speakers to fill in the gaps, especially in support roles. Hence, it is essential to provide non-native speakers with the support they need to thrive. This can be when they’re entering the organization or moving up the corporate ladder.
One way is through language training. Language training can provide a multitude of benefits for both the speaker and the organization.
Improves Communication
A specific skill that will always retain its value is communication. It’s an essential part of sharing information, giving instructions, and understanding tasks.
Language training helps bridge the communication barrier between parties. This type of training helps these speakers hone their speaking, listening, and writing skills in a particular language.
As a result, non-native speakers become more confident in expressing themselves and can better connect with a larger group of people, including managers, employers, customers, and their peers.
Increases morale and motivation
Another advantage of language training is that it serves as a way to foster high morale and sustained motivation. Studies have shown a direct correlation between language proficiency and job satisfaction. Having a higher level of linguistic ability makes many interactions easier while also contributing to one’s career progression, directly improving their quality of life.
With language training, these employees then feel that their workplace cares about their well-being, thus strengthening the employer’s brand. This also encourages people to stay and grow within their organization.
Take a look at the case of Agricare, an agricultural management company located in Oregon.
Over the last few years, it has provided workplace English training to its staff and its sister company’s employees. Because of this, learners in the program became motivated to help their teams. They were also motivated to take on more responsibilities.
Creates more opportunities for career development
There is no doubt that learning languages can present many professional opportunities. This is the same for non-native speakers preparing to enter the workforce. What many don’t realize is language training widens these speakers’ horizons. One article states it opens up “a wealth of professional opportunities for non-native English-speaking adults.”
Language learning prevents non-native speakers from limiting themselves to certain jobs. It also gives them the confidence to explore more opportunities. Having a secondary language is a valuable skill that is useful in many sectors.
Language training gives non-native speakers access to more job opportunities. This allows them the chance to switch to white-collar jobs instead. According to Artika Ashdhir, “. . . All white-collar jobs rely heavily on the English language as all communication, written or spoken (preferred) is in English. Fluency and effective use of the language is a key factor in growing in a white-collar job.”
Furthermore, language training helps non-native employees prepare for the next steps in their careers or education. For instance, take a look at Amazon. Amazon, with a large immigrant workforce, recognizes employees’ struggles in advancing their career prospects. So it decided to support them through the Career Choice program. In a webinar conducted in partnership with goFLUENT, Amazon talked about the importance of breaking the language glass ceiling and how its program does so. Employees learn to stay relevant in the job market and progress, bringing them closer to their life goals.
Providing language training can also benefit organizations. It leads to smoother business negotiations and allows organizations to tap into global market opportunities, which is essential for growth and development.
Moving Forward with Purpose: The Next Steps
There’s no doubt about it. Language training is a useful method of supporting non-native speakers. With it, they can better contribute and thrive in their careers.
However, many online and offline language training and tutoring services are available in the market today. So what should one focus on when searching for an appropriate program?
Look for language training services that fit the needs of your staff. Consider those that offer flexible training and language content tailored to the industry of the speaker. Programs that cater to non-native speakers by providing lessons for basic survival English and accent improvement can also be an option. After all, the learner should be at the center of the training experience. One such provider to consider is goFLUENT.
goFLUENT is a trusted language training and assessment provider of over 2,000 organizations worldwide. It continues to provide blended solutions to ensure everyone has an equal voice. goFLUENT can help your organization and its members thrive in a globalized world.
Now, are you ready to empower non-native speakers in your organization?
