As a global hub for trade and commerce, Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and languages. However, the main language of business in Singapore is English, and it is essential for employees to have strong conversational English skills in order to communicate effectively with clients, partners, and colleagues.
According to research, English is the most widely-used language at the workplace in Singapore – with 65% of workers speaking it. For non-English speakers, this can mean a significant language barrier which can lead to poor communication and misunderstandings, which can result in business risks and negative impacts on productivity and competitiveness.
To address this issue, it is important for businesses in Singapore to encourage their employees to become proficient in business English. Not only will this improve communication within the company, but it will also enhance the employees’ skills and abilities in the global market. In fact, employees with strong English skills are more likely to have better career prospects and earn higher salaries.
By implementing strategies to help employees learn professional English, businesses in Singapore can foster creativity, ingenuity, and competition in the global market and ultimately improve their overall success.
Offer Language Training Programmes
Many language schools and educational institutions offer English courses for adults specifically tailored to the needs of professionals in Singapore. Encourage your employees to sign up for these business English courses and provide financial support if possible.
Encourage Self Study
Encourage your employees to take an active role in their own language learning. Provide access to online resources such as language learning apps, textbooks, and websites, and encourage employees to set aside time for self-study.
Use English in the Workplace
Encourage the use of English in the workplace, whether it be in meetings, presentations, or emails. This will provide employees with more opportunities to practise their English skills and improve their proficiency.
Hire English-Speaking Mentors or Tutors
Consider hiring English-speaking mentors or tutors to work with your employees one-on-one or in small groups. This will allow employees to receive more personalised attention and feedback on their language skills.
Sign Up For Corporate English Classes for Your Employees
Encouraging employees to become proficient in Business English can have numerous benefits for both the individual and the company. For the individual, it can lead to better career prospects and higher salaries. For the company, it can improve productivity, competitiveness, and overall business outcomes.
If you are a business in Singapore looking to help your employees learn English, United Language Centre can be a valuable resource. As a leading English school in Singapore, we help working professionals learn business English effectively. Our classes are taught by experienced and qualified teachers, and are available at various levels to suit the needs of different learners. For example, our English For Professionals (EFP) Course offers one-on-one lessons to give students a safe environment to practise speaking in English and boost their confidence in the language. We also offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate the busy schedules of working adults.
Enquire about our English courses for professionals or basic English classes today.
