As business operations expand within the global marketplace, staying competitive requires having employees who are proficient in more than one language. An investment in language training as part of a company’s L&D program will offer a significant ROI. A new Rosetta Stone e-book explains how managers can assess the value of language training for the workforce and the company overall.

A survey of corporate language learners found that company investments in employee language training delivered five key benefits;

1. Strengthens business operations

Language training enhances workforce development by preparing employees to work on international teams—advancing market and global expansion. With 70 percent of language learners expressing increased confidence working with teams, partners, and vendors, employees will be equipped to build rapport more easily, resolve problems faster, and boost customer satisfaction.

2. Stimulates employee engagement

In a multilingual economy, the ability to connect with colleagues and customers is vital for success. Overall, 63 percent of language learners feel more engaged in their work. Language training helps shatter communication barriers, promotes an inclusive work environment, and increases collaboration across cultures.

3. Increases productivity

Language barriers among employees—or between workers and managers—can lead to errors or thwart efforts to improve workflows and sales strategies. Language training can mitigate these obstacles and promote innovation. In fact, 64 percent of employees say language training made them more productive working with teams, partners, and vendors.

4. Boosts company loyalty and employee retention

Turnover is costly. Research shows that company-sponsored training and development programs help attract and retain talented employees. Studies show that 58 percent of language learners are more likely to remain with their current company if offered opportunities for professional growth.

5. Attracts globally aware Millennials

As the fastest-growing subset of workers, Millennials will comprise 75 percent of the workforce by 2025. Training and development opportunities are number one on the list of job perks this population seeks in potential employers. In fact, 71 percent report that they are likely to leave a position if dissatisfied with their employer’s professional development offerings.

Employees want to meet their potential and are excited about opportunities to engage in today’s global economy. Investing in language training is good for a company’s bottom line.

Read the e-book, and be sure check out the webcast, Language Training Delivers Big Returns, for more best practices.