It’s easy for us to think that in an age of artificial intelligence and rapid transformation, human language skills will fade into the distance. The opposite is actually true. As AI revolutionises workflows and redefines global business relationships, a deeply human skill like language is gaining strategic importance.
Multilingual teams are a reflection of the interconnected nature of our world today. This is a way for companies to not only foster innovation but also show that they value diversity. At a time when technology isolates people, human connections are more important than ever.
Recent research by Haiilo found that 72% CEOs believed language skills were essential for success. As borders continue to become virtual and businesses expand internationally, languages are emerging as a competitive advantage.
The importance of language skills is increasing
Modern workplaces are becoming more globalized and automated roles are changing. Communication is not a soft-skill anymore; it’s now a core function in this changing landscape.
A recent report found that up to 55% of employees lose two hours per day due to poor communication. The language barrier can slow down decision-making, and cause inefficiencies within teams. Multilingual talent is not just about improving communication, but also building resilience, culture intelligence and internal innovation. Language opens up a new perspective. Bilingual or multilingual employees can bring much more than just communication benefits. They also bring a deeper understanding of complexity from different cultural lenses. This enhances teamwork, improves problem-solving, and creates a more efficient, creative workplace.
Global business and the human face
Human Resources leaders recognize that language skills play a central role in recruitment and are essential to the long-term success of a company. As workplaces become more globalized and hybridized, employees who are able to switch between different languages and cultural frameworks will be uniquely qualified to lead across borders. In line with this trend the demand for multilingual and bilingual speakers will continue to rise, , with 56% employers reporting that they need more multilingual talents over the next five year.
The hiring process reflects this shift as well. In an increasingly competitive job marketplace, more employees recognize the importance of having language skills. Language learning platforms are used by many to enhance their communication and expand their career opportunities. This understanding of culture is essential to navigate diverse work environments, displaying empathy, curiosity, and cultural sensitivity. Language learning leads to improved communication and a deeper connection with co-workers, clients, and other stakeholders.
The strategic investment in language learning
Companies who invest in language training see measurable results – not only in terms of communication but also in productivity and team dynamics. Babbel for Business claims that language barriers cost businesses millions of dollars in lost productivity every year. According to their research, a fifth of the top earners spent over two hours a daily worrying about how they speak. Despite 70% of employees saying that language training is essential, only 24% offer it. A quarter of employees face safety risks because of miscommunication. Investing in language training is crucial for a productive and inclusive workplace.
Language training has become a crucial component of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), not only for empowering non-natives, but also creating inclusive cultures that allow everyone to flourish. Language learning is a way to bridge more than just borders. It also bridges people.
HR leaders also integrate language training into professional growth plans. This helps employees grow and prepares companies for expansion into new markets. The result is a win-win situation: employees are more engaged, and the companies are more culturally and linguistically competent.
The future speaks in many languages
AI can now handle repetitive tasks and data crunching but the quality of human to human connection is what will differentiate companies. Language is the foundation for emotional intelligence, empathy, and cross-cultural fluency, which are all skills that help create successful teams and customers experiences. Let’s not lose sight of what makes us human in a world driven more and more by machines.
