Why learning Spanish could make your business more successful

For many businesses in the U.S., it's increasingly clear that English isn't the only language that is useful to know. But are employers prepared to equip workers for the impending demographic shift? 

According to Instituto Cervantes, the U.S. is on track to be the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world by 2050. But despite Spanish becoming more commonplace, data from Best Diplomats shows only 15 million Americans speak Spanish as a second language, hinting at an incoming communication gap in the coming decades. That's why it is worthwhile for businesses to consider language learning an upskilling opportunity for their workforce, notes Becky Gundy, head of B2B marketing at language software Babbel.  

"This shift is happening quickly, and it's not something that can be ignored," says Gundy. "Communication is key to business success, and there's more productivity when you break down those language barriers."

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For Gundy, language learning would be a great value add for employers looking to not only improve their operations but offer career development opportunities, too. Babbel for Business specifically serves employers who want to give their employees covered access to the software and lessons relevant to their industry — employees can apply what they learn for upward mobility in their companies and careers, explains Gundy. 

"It can make employees more marketable for promotion or new jobs if necessary," she says. "Language skills are becoming more valuable in the workplace as the workforce becomes increasingly diverse day by day."

She points out that it's not easy to find time to learn another language, so it could be game-changing for employers to encourage employees to take a little time out of their workday to engage in a lesson. Businesses can also promote language learning as a health benefit, as research, like a study led by Iowa University, has shown that knowing more than one language can help prevent dementia or deter symptoms for longer. 

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Gundy stresses that employers should consider whether their employees have the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing workforce. For companies in the manufacturing, construction, landscaping or other physically demanding industries, Spanish proficiency could mean the difference between a safe and unsafe work environment. As for company culture, Gundy is confident that language learning can help cultivate a more connected, kind workplace.

Regardless of what software they choose, employers do have the opportunity to improve their employees' professional and personal lives by encouraging them to learn a new language or refresh what they remember from their high school Spanish classes. It's just a matter of knowing what your talent and customer base need to thrive, says Gundy.

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"Language is a tool that increases efficiency and understanding," she says. "Being able to communicate in someone's native language is important to understanding who they are as a person."