The value of communication in business
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5 reasons why businesses could benefit from language testing
The value of communication in business
Why English language testing is important
You’re recruiting for a new position which is public facing, or maybe you’re looking for someone who can effectively communicate across teams, track down deliveries or look after vulnerable people. What skills do you most value?
One of the top soft skills we are often asked about assessing is language proficiency - how do businesses assess English language skills to ensure their teams can provide a positive experience?
Recommendations for testing language proficiency
This week Helen Kelly, Strategic Account Manager, has been talking to councils and organisations at the Institute of Licensing National Conference about the effectiveness of the Versant™ English Language Test. Not only was it great to be back in person at an event, but it re-enforced the importance of communication and its value.
Here are five reasons we recommend testing language proficiency
Improve Quality and Delivery of Work
From a business operations perspective, language proficiency when giving and receiving instructions can improve the quality of output. Remember, English language testing focuses on evaluating the following:
- Prospect’s ability to understand spoken English.
- Prospect’s ability to be understood when English is spoken.
- Ensure consistent English language proficiency levels throughout your business.
- Evaluate English spoken language proficiency and objectively.
If your team struggles to effectively understand language, it is likely to have an impact on how instructions are received, and outputs delivered.
Improve Working Productivity
We all understand how important it is to be able to communicate internally, even more so with our recent reliance on virtual meetings. Employees need to be able to feel confident when asking for help or seeking clarification. The alternative could impact on lost time and turnover. Through English Language Testing the correct level of training and development can be provided to avoid this.
Increase Customer Satisfaction
Recently, we posted a blog about why the Versant English Test and other forms of English language testing are important to ensure customer satisfaction. ['The Need for Versant™ English Tests in Business'] - specifically, the insight that 56% of customers cancel based on poor communication and service.
Active listening within the English language is a vital skill to develop. Without this, many businesses suffer from misinterpreting communications, resulting in poor survey scores from current customers.
Reduce Risk to Health and Safety
Health and safety measures will be a high priority for any business operating with office space post-pandemic. Health and safety managers will have new processes aligned with current health and safety procedures and so effective communication is key to understanding new ways to operate within your business health and safety measures. This is another reason why English language testing is important. It will help businesses to measure a candidate's aptitude for understanding information to ensure compliance and a workplace that is safe.
Reduce Your Recruitment Costs
Businesses who test English language skills often find their recruitment processes are more efficient and cost effective. If the role advertised requires a certain level of English language communication, English language tests can help you filter your applications and select the right people for your organisation. Often, without this level of screening, recruitment becomes less effective, and ultimately, talent may not last beyond the initial probationary period, resulting in another recruitment drive from scratch.
There are of course, many more reasons why English Language Testing is important, if you want to learn more about Versant and how it can assist your recruitment drive, please do contact us.