The future is multilingual: why should companies invest in language talents?
We typically associate foreign language proficiency with traveling the world and the ability to watch foreign movies without subtitles. At the same time, we forget that foreign languages can be incredibly useful in our daily work. An employee who is proficient in several languages to at least a communicative level is a real treasure! Why? Why should companies invest in language talents?
We live in a time almost without borders. Traveling to another country poses no problems today, and there are more and more international companies operating in the Polish market. Even those from our own backyard are eager to collaborate with foreign clients. Proficiency in at least one foreign language is an absolute must-have today.
Multilingual e-commerce – the business of the 21st century
Multilingualism of employees is primarily useful in e-commerce. There is enormous potential in international sales. A company that expands its operations to foreign markets not only generates higher revenues but also increases its chances of spectacular success in business. It can gain popularity that guarantees high profits in the long term.
Unfortunately, automatic translation of website content is not enough. The effectiveness of international e-commerce depends on many factors. You need to prepare different versions of the online store, taking into account language, cultural, and other aspects. This also includes the need to create several dedicated marketing campaigns and provide customer support in their native language.
According to W3Tech’s research, over 60% of all internet content is in English. Unbabel’s study showed that nearly 70% of consumers worldwide want brands to communicate with them in their native language. Furthermore, almost 60% of consumers consider the absence of their native language in brand communication as dismissive, and over 60% are willing to pay more if they had the opportunity to make purchases and receive service in their native language. The conclusion is clear: there is enormous potential in multilingualism.
By addressing current and potential customers in their native language, a brand shows that they are important to it – that it cares about them, respects them, and values their convenience. This is a form of care that makes consumers more willing to interact with the company – they buy its products, sign up for newsletters, and start following it on social media. In other words, they become loyal customers.
Read also: https://eduexpress.pl/en/internal-or-external-recruitment-differences-disadvantages-advantages/
Expansion into foreign markets – not just in e-commerce
The modern world is more accessible and open. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense to limit yourself to a single market. Expanding into foreign markets is a good solution not only in e-commerce. Collaborating with international clients (both B2B and B2C) is a promising direction for development in various industries, including manufacturing, advertising, and construction. A company that has decided on international expansion is not tied to a specific economy. This flexibility allows it to redirect its campaigns and capital to other regions if a difficult situation arises in one location. Diversification helps protect against the negative consequences of crises.
Expanding into international markets is a way to gain a competitive advantage. Such action enables a company to establish a stable position in the industry, which translates into real profits.
Of course, the process of international expansion would not be possible without a high level of proficiency in foreign languages. Excellent preparation of employees is a manifestation of professionalism and a solid approach to acquiring international clients.
Knowledge of multiple languages is a sign of motivation and self-discipline
Learning foreign languages requires patience and discipline. Mastering the art of speaking multiple languages to perfection is a testament to determination and high ambition, qualities that are particularly important in the job market. What does this mean for an employer? Such an employee will be more engaged in their professional duties, which can translate into better results for the entire team. Multilingual employees are valuable assets. A company that invests in such employees is investing in its multifaceted development!