Business English class clears up communication at work for a lot of people - not just ESL employees (who speak English as a Second Language). For the average American, proverbs are heard on a regular basis. These are the short phrases such as "the early bird gets the worm" and "it's water under the bridge" for example. In fact, they are so common for native English speakers that many use them without thinking twice. But they can be incredibly confusing, misleading and even frustrating for those who speak English as a Second Language.
What is the problem with proverbs in the workplace?
- "Time is money"
- "You reap what you sow"
- "Rome wasn't built in a day"
- "It's water under the bridge"
- "The early bird gets the worm"
- "Actions speak louder than words"
- "Don't bite the hand that feeds you"
- "Don't put all your eggs in one basket"
Most proverbs don't translate literally. For example, a supervisor says "let's not put all of our eggs in one basket." Native English speakers might know exactly what that means. But ESL associates, rather than paying attention in the meeting will wonder "what eggs? And where is this basket?" Of course this is just one example of a proverb being used in the workplace. And it might even seem like a small issue, because workers can just ask for clarification.
The other big issue with proverbs is that they can be isolating. Because some native English speakers may have never heard them used, either. So as the supervisor, you could think "oh, someone will ask if they don't understand." But in work situations, speaking up or asking questions during a meeting can be intimidating- especially for those who aren't confident in their English proficiency to begin with. Communication certainly goes both ways, that is true. But if you have English Language Learners, they have to feel comfortable enough to ask your managers clarifying questions. Which is not always the case.
What does Business English teach?
English training for employees gives your workforce the tools they need to fully understand and engage at work. So when we say we "provide customized language training solutions" we truly mean it. Traditional online language training courses usually consist of the same pre-recorded videos for every purchase. But our customized English training solutions are truly as unique as your workforce.
We meet with your leadership team to determine exactly what your goals are, and what you need your employees to learn. Which can include anything from industry terminology for construction workers, to professional skills like invoice writing for customer service. Then we evaluate your employees to see what their proficiency currently is. Then, we devise a corporate language training curriculum specifically for your staff, and their real-world needs. Finally, our expert instructors teach session LIVE through our interactive, video chat classroom. Our customized English training solutions for companies can emphasize:
- Customer service trainings for ESL employees
- Business writing skills & emails
- Giving client presentations
- Industry, company, or role-specific terminology
- Workplace language and safety trainings
- Cultural sensitivity
- Accent modification
- Leadership trainings
- Industry language training
Why is business English training important?
Our business English training is important for every single company that hires ESL workers (who speak English as a Second Language). Not everyone has the same level of training and education. Some of your workers might have an advanced English proficiency, but not know industry terminology. Others might come to class needing to improve conversational English for customer service. And the rest might have a beginner's proficiency.
Regardless of your needs, we have solutions and a language support plan that will fill in the communication gaps at your workplace. You already hired them - now, you can help them succeed with English classes for employees. So what are you waiting for?
Our interactive and engaging In-Person and Online Corporate Language Training provides English Classes for Companies online and on-site with live highly qualified native-speaking language instructors. We offer Real-Time Private and Group Corporate English Language Training. Get a Free Quote for your Industry Specific Onsite or Online Corporate English Training for employees.
