Lack of language skills among UK and US staff

This study of UK based business leaders, together with the survey of US based Hiring Managers, shows that many are finding it hard to operate globally because they can’t find new staff who can speak other languages. One in four companies surveyed in the UK that currently operate internationally, or are looking to do so, said they had lost business opportunities because of a lack of foreign language skills. In the US, one in six of all businesses said similar. Moreover, in the UK, two in five say a lack of cultural understanding amongst their newest employees has created a barrier to growth, and a third admit to difficulties in filling vacancies due to lack of language skills amongst candidates. Gary Muddyman, CEO of Conversis, says: “The findings in this research affirm the reality that we in the UK translation and localization industry have been aware of for quite some time. On the one hand, graduates are generally struggling to find employment, and on the other hand, UK companies seeking graduates with specific skills like those we have been researching have to look abroad to staff their organizations. For some reason, learning foreign languages does not appear to be a priority amongst young people and this disinterest may be costing them job opportunities." The research suggests that British and American organizations could be losing business to overseas competitors because of a lack of foreign language skills and cultural awareness amongst their staff. A quarter of respondents said a lack of language skills among their newest employees has resulted in a loss of business opportunities, while two in five UK businesses and 14 percent of US businesses said a lack of cultural understanding among their newest employees has resulted in lost business opportunities. A third even said a lack of language skills among their newest employees has resulted in difficulty filling vacancies. The complete report, ‘The Importance of Global Talent within International Businesses’ is available online. <link http: www.conversis.com>www.conversis.com