5 REASONS EVERY COMPANY SHOULD INVEST IN THE LANGUAGE SKILLS OF ITS EMPLOYEES

Fluency in a foreign language is the Image Zach_Beauvais | flickr hottest job skill right now.

Fluency in a foreign language is the hottest job skill right now. (Even CNN Money says so!) Image Zach_Beauvais | flickr

But its not just the folks at the CIA who can benefit from multilingual employees. Image khrawlings | flickr

So, why should companies make the investment in their employees language skills?

Reach out to bilingual customers.

Image Groume | Flickr For global businesses, this one is a no-brainer!

Image redjar | Flickr But small, domestic businesses must consider that the U.S. in one of the most diverse countries in the world.

The 2011 Census reports that 20.8% U.S. residents of speak a language other than English at home. Image woodleywonderworks | Flickr

Investing in employees language skills can help reach a wider audience even domestically! Image Amber de Bruin| Flickr

Multilingual advertisers, sales reps, and customer service reps allow companies to reach and serve new audiences at home and abroad. Image Willy D | Flickr

Bring new perspectives to a team.

Image Steve Conry | Flickr Native-born bilinguals have grown up seeing different parts of the world or experiencing life through different perspectives.

Image Siona Karen| Flickr Late-life language learners are in the middle of that creative, transformative process.

A multi-lingual team is a diverse team. Diversity allows companies to approach problems from different angles and bring different experiences to the table. Image jblyberg | Flickr

Brush up on critical English skills.

When we say language skills we dont just mean foreign languages.

English is a dominant language in the business world.

Some employees need to brush up on English to improve other skills, like formal writing or public speaking.

Others may need to master Image greeblie | Flickr industry-specific terminology.

Advanced competency of English facilitates better communication and collaboration, both internally and externally. Image Accelerating Change. Together. | Flickr

Strengthen complementary professional skills.

Learning a new language challenges and engages your brain in new ways. Its a mental work out that enhances the mind. Image Rinus Reeders | Flickr

Image Timothy Tsui Bilingualism from an early age can result in higher cognitive functioning, such as better problem-solving skills.

But learning a language at any age literally causes your brain to grow.

I mean literally grow!

Current language learners are building bigger vocabulary and improving listening, writing, and other communication skills.

Languages are intricate. Studying one teaches you to develop good habits, including patience and persistence.

Who wouldnt want employees who listen intently, speak clearly, and have the discipline to work hard?

Attract better employees and increase morale.

Image mandiberg | Flickr When employees receive new opportunities and training, they feel valued.

Image mandiberg | Flickr When employees receive new opportunities and training, they feel valued.

That feeling translates into performance, increased morale and not to mention lower turnover rates.

Companies with reputations for happy employees generally attract better applicants when hiring.

And with a bigger, better team, that small, domestic business just might grow into a large, international one!

Ready to invest in your employees language skills? Connect with Transparent Language: http://www.transparent.com/corporate/