Can Language Tutoring Bolster Declining Employee Motivation?

Employee motivation is a crucial driver of productivity and success. A recent Bloomberg article highlighted a concerning trend: American worker motivation is declining this year. The reasons for this decline are multifaceted, but employers can implement a proactive solution to reverse this trend and reinvigorate their workforce—language tutoring as an employee benefit. 

In this article, we'll explore the factors contributing to declining employee motivation and delve into the many benefits of offering language tutoring as an innovative and effective solution to boost motivation at work. 

The Motivation Challenge

According to Bloomberg's recent data, the motivation of American workers has taken a hit in 2023. In fact, a report from BambooHR found that US employees are the unhappiest they’ve been since the start of 2020. Factors such as remote work fatigue, economic uncertainty, and the ongoing pandemic have left many employees feeling disengaged and demotivated. This decline in motivation can lead to decreased productivity, increased turnover, and a negative impact on a company's bottom line.  

According to ADP, only 4 in 10 American workers claim to be highly productive at work. Even more concerning, according to a recent Gallup poll, only 34% of American employees claim to be engaged at work. What does that mean for the other 66% of workers? They don’t care about going above and beyond to make your brand successful; they only care about getting a paycheck and doing the bare minimum not to get fired. 

BambooHR’s report suggests lingering health and economic impacts of Covid, layoffs, and return-to-office mandates as a pain point. People in the tech industry, where RTO mandates have been on the rise, recorded the sharpest decline in happiness over the past three years (-145%). And many would rather quit than go back to commuting. 

The Power of Language Tutoring

One often-overlooked strategy to rekindle employee motivation is providing language tutoring as a unique employee benefit. Here's why language tutoring can make a significant positive difference in employee motivation. 

1. Cultural Awareness: Learning a new language immerses employees in different cultures. This broadens their horizons and fosters a sense of appreciation and empathy for diverse perspectives within the workplace. 
2. Increased Brain Functionality: Learning a new language has been proven to enhance cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, creativity, and memory. Employees who engage in language tutoring can experience these cognitive benefits, which can, in turn, make them more motivated and efficient at work. 
3. Enhanced Communication: Effective communication is at the heart of every successful organization. Employees who communicate in multiple languages can bridge language gaps, facilitate international collaborations, and build stronger relationships with clients, customers, and colleagues. 
4. Career Advancement: Employees who acquire language skills often become more valuable assets to their organizations. This newfound skill can open new career opportunities and increase job security, which can be highly motivating. 

Implementing Language Tutoring as an Employee Benefit

Now that we understand the benefits of language tutoring let's explore how your organization can implement language tutoring as an employee benefit effectively.  

1. Assess Employee Interests: Start by gauging your employees' interest in learning new languages. Conduct surveys or one-on-one discussions to identify which languages are most relevant and appealing to your workforce. Is there a specific language they need to learn to have successful relationships with colleagues or clients? Ask them!  
2. Offer Flexible Learning Options: Consider offering flexible language learning options such as online courses, in-person classes, or language learning apps. This ensures employees can choose the best method for their schedules and learning preferences. 
3. Provide Support and Resources: Invest in high-quality language tutoring resources and provide ongoing support. Ensure employees have access to experienced language tutors or trainers who can tailor their lessons to the specific needs of your workforce. 
4. Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate employees' progress and achievements in language tutoring programs. This can include awards, certificates, or even small incentives to keep them motivated. 
5. Measure Impact: Continuously assess the impact of language tutoring on employee motivation and productivity. Use feedback, surveys, and performance metrics to gauge the program's effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. Even if it’s conversational confidence, learning something new can have a positive impact on an employee’s long-term outlook to their jobs. 

Employee motivation is a critical factor in achieving organizational success, and the decline in motivation in recent times is a concerning trend. However, by offering language tutoring as an employee benefit, employers can address this issue head-on and empower their workforce with valuable skills, enhanced motivation, and a renewed sense of purpose. In the ever-evolving workplace landscape, language tutoring stands out as an innovative solution that can help companies thrive while supporting the growth and development of their employees. 

Global LT has been the leading language tutoring provider for over 40 years. We find the best teachers anywhere in the world who tailor their teaching style to match a student's desired outcome.  

Want to learn more? Check out our available pricing and packages. We offer 1:1 tutoring and group lessons that make language learning collaborative. 

This blog post was written by Patricia Diaz, VP of Marketing.