Evaluating the ROI of language learning for DEI Initiatives

Pearson Languages
Two coworkers stood in a office looking at a tablet together.
Reading time: 5 minutes

Language learning has become a pivotal component of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies in forward-thinking organizations, especially for those with international workforces or those working to unlock new markets across the globe.

As businesses increasingly prioritize workforce development and social responsibility, integrating language training into DEI programs offers several advantages:

  • Enriching team morale and employee well-being.
  • Increasing employee engagement, loyalty and trust.
  • Delivering fresh ideas and fostering innovation.
  • Enhancing problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
  • Strengthening customer relationships and amplifying brand reputation.
Measuring the success of your language learning programs
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

Get in touch to learn about our corporate solutions

How language training enhances your DEI strategy

We've previously discussed the impact of language learning on various aspects of the workplace, like overcoming DEI barriers and empowering employee success. Our recent Pearson report discusses the influence that language learning has on driving effective DEI strategies. It positions language proficiency as a cornerstone of robust DEI initiatives that unlock untapped growth opportunities. Good communication skills, underscored by competent language abilities, significantly propel the five most sought-after business skills: Leadership and Management, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Digital Skills, and Continuous Learning.

Investing in language skills not only supports international expansion but also aligns with core values and the ethos of progressive and transformational DEI strategies. Improved language proficiency contributes to creating more confident communicators who understand cultural nuances across languages, thereby enhancing empathy and cultural intelligence within the workplace.

7 ways to measure the ROI of language learning

By showing clear evidence of improved employee engagement, increased cross-cultural competencies, increased workforce productivity and enhanced communication effectiveness, language learning ROIs demonstrate not just the financial rewards but the intrinsic value that such initiatives contribute to an organization's DEI success.

When looking to evaluate the impact of language learning programs in your company or organization, here are 7 strategies to consider:

  1. Assess improvements in team communication skills and cultural awareness.

  2. Track progress in language proficiency using reliable assessment tools, such as Versant by Pearson.

  3. Monitor employee engagement surveys to gauge the perceived impact of language learning on inclusivity and belonging.

  4. Analyse retention rates post-implementation of language programs to measure employee loyalty.

  5. Evaluate customer satisfaction to determine the effect of improved language skills on service quality.

  6. Benchmark against industry leaders in DEI to understand where your organization stands and where improvements can be made.

  7. Calculate the financial impact of language learning on revenue, especially in new market penetration and customer retention, to substantiate the economic benefits alongside the moral imperative.

A comprehensive analysis of these metrics will not only underscore the direct ROI of language learning in financial terms but also map the broader influence on corporate culture and external brand perception. The combination of tangible and intangible benefits makes language learning a strategic investment at the core of progressive workforce development and DEI initiatives.

How to implement language learning in your DEI program

To effectively implement language learning programs with ROI considerations at the forefront, organizations should adopt a structured approach. Start by identifying clear objectives that align with your overarching DEI goals and ensure that the language initiatives are tailored to fill specific gaps within your corporate culture. Create a detailed plan encompassing the selection of a suitable language provider, such as our workplace solutions, and define the expected proficiency levels for participating employees.

Establish a comprehensive timeline that includes milestones for progress reviews, employing tools like Versant by Pearson to track advancements in language skills. Ensure a strong support system, including language tutors and cultural training sessions, maintains momentum and engagement amongst learners. In addition, consider creating accountability structures where employees set language learning goals and have regular check-ins to discuss their progress. This can help maintain motivation and commitment to the program.

Finally, communication is key to the successful deployment of any learning initiative. Keep all stakeholders informed of the program's impact through regular reporting on ROI metrics and anecdotal successes. These insights will fuel continuous improvement of the language learning programs and sustain executive support, reinforcing the value of such investments within the corporate DEI strategies.

Why language learning is an investment in DEI

The implementation of language learning within DEI strategies is an investment that can yield a company a substantial return on investment. By translating language proficiency into measurable business outcomes, organizations can enhance their competitive edge, and foster and develop a truly inclusive workplace culture.

Therefore, it is important for forward-thinking leaders to recognize the strategic importance of language learning and embed it within the core of their DEI initiatives, ensuring that it remains an integral part of their organizational ethos.

Dive deeper: language learning and DEI resources

Download the report today to gain a fuller understanding of how language learning can revitalize your company's DEI strategy and contribute to its overall success.

Make sure to read these posts if you want to learn more:

Unconscious bias in the workplace: Overcoming DEI barriers through language learning

Why your performance management strategy needs language learning

Empowering employee success: establishing a learning culture

McKinsey - Why diversity matters

Frequently asked questions

More blogs from Pearson

  • A business woman sat at a table in a office writing notes

    Hard skills vs. soft skills: The impact of language learning

    By Charlotte Guest
    Reading time: 6 minutes

    Hard skills and soft skills play a crucial role in defining career success and progression. The difference between hard skills and soft skills is that hard skills are teachable, technical, measurable abilities specific to particular jobs, while soft skills are more interpersonal, universal and related to personality traits. While hard skills refer to the technical knowledge and specific abilities required to perform a job, soft skills are more intangible. They encompass the interpersonal attributes and personality traits that enable individuals to communicate effectively, work collaboratively and adapt to changes in the workplace environment.

    In this blog post, we will explore how learning a new language can significantly enhance both hard and soft skills, making you a more versatile and effective professional in today’s multifaceted work environment.

    Understanding the balance of hard and soft skills

    Hard skills might get your foot in the door, showcasing your qualifications for a position. Developing hard skills to stand out from other job seekers is crucial; take advantage of classes, webinars and workshops offered by your current employer to develop hard skills and learn new technical skills. Examples include proficiency in a particular software, certification in a specific field, or mastery of a technical domain. However, it’s the soft skills, such as effective communication, collaboration, critical thinking and emotional intelligence, that propel you through the door and into the realms of career advancement. Recent research underscores the growing importance of English proficiency as a pivotal element in this dynamic, equally vital for enhancing both sets of skills.

    What are examples of soft skills?

    Soft skills encompass a wide range of attributes that can significantly impact workplace efficiency and harmony. Examples of essential soft skills include:

    Communication: The ability to convey information clearly and effectively is paramount. This includes both verbal and written communication, as well as active listening skills.

    Teamwork: Collaborating well with others, often with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, to achieve common goals.

    Problem-solving: The capability to analyze situations, identify problems and devise effective solutions.

    Adaptability: The readiness to adjust to new conditions, workflows, or technologies, demonstrating flexibility in the face of change.

    Critical thinking: The process of objectively analyzing information to make informed decisions.

    Emotional intelligence: The ability to understand, manage and utilize one's emotions constructively while also recognizing and influencing the emotions of others.

    What are examples of hard skills?

    Hard skills are quantifiable, teachable abilities specific to a job or industry. These skills are typically acquired through formal education, training programs and practical experience. Some examples of essential hard skills include:

    Computer programming: Proficiency in coding and programming languages, such as Python, Java, C++, or HTML/CSS is crucial for software development and web design roles.

    Data analysis: The ability to interpret complex data sets using tools like Excel, SQL, or R, providing valuable insights and informing decision-making processes.

    Graphic design: Mastery of design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, enabling the creation of visual content for various media.

    Foreign language proficiency: Fluency in a second language can be an asset in international business, for example, in translation services or customer support roles.

    Project management: Knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum) and tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira) to plan, execute and oversee projects effectively.

    Technical writing: The skill of crafting clear, precise documentation and instructional materials, essential in industries such as engineering, IT and pharmaceuticals.

  • Business people sat and waiting in a row

    Boost the quality of your hires with English proficiency testing

    By Samantha Yates
    Reading time: 6.5 minutes

    Hire quality is top of the agenda for recruiters and talent acquisition leaders. Discover the impact of English skill testing on hiring fit-for-role employees.

    The results are in… thousands of recruiting professionals and top talent acquisition leaders say that sourcing high-quality candidates is their number one objective in 2024 and beyond.

    54% of recruiters are now prioritizing quality of hire above all else, according to LinkedIn’s Talent Solutions report The Future of Recruiting 2024. The report also highlights that 73% are using a skills-based approach to find top-quality hires, faster, with skills that fit the business both now and in future.

    Getting recruitment right can drastically impact productivity. In the UK alone, effective recruitment boosts productivity by £7.7bn each year, according to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Conversely, the direct and indirect costs of mistake hires are a constant concern to organizations, not just in the UK but around the world. According to a survey of 400 hiring decision-makers by CareerBuilder, 75% have hired the wrong person and say that one bad hire costs them nearly $17,000 on average. It’s no surprise then that skills-based quality hiring is such a top priority for recruiters.

    It’s harder than it might seem to systematically increase the quality of your hires, especially when you’re recruiting at scale. But the rewards are high when you get it right and a skills-first approach increases your chances of success – particularly when you focus on core skills like English proficiency that underpin communication. As an added bonus, skills-based testing can speed up the recruitment process significantly.

  • A group of women celebrating with confetti

    The Global Scale of English: A decade of innovation in language education

    By Pearson Languages
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    This month marks 10 years since the launch of the Global Scale of English (GSE) and what a journey it has been. As we celebrate this important milestone, it’s time to reflect on everything that has been achieved over the past decade and to take pride in the work that has contributed to the advancement of language learning, teaching and assessment around the world.