Mergers and acquisitions are no small feat. They require tremendous capital, human resources, and meticulous planning to ensure that the two entities coming together are set up for long-term success. One factor often overlooked? Language and culture training that thoughtfully integrates two workforces from different countries.
There’s a lot of “we’ll figure it out as we go” or “let’s see what happens” post-merger or acquisition, but after spending that much time and money getting two companies under the same umbrella, ensuring that separate workforces, cultures, and standards are communicated effectively – especially if the two workforces coming together don’t speak the same language – is the difference between seeing immediate results and crashing and burning.
Here are a few reasons language training is critical to the post-M&A strategy.
- Communication and Collaboration. Employees from different organizations come together after a merger, bringing diverse backgrounds and often other native languages. Effective communication and collaboration are essential for the success of the merged company. Language training helps bridge language barriers, enabling employees to communicate more efficiently, understand each other's perspectives, and work together effectively as a unified team.
- Integration of Cultures. Mergers often combine different organizational cultures with distinct communication styles and terminologies. Language training helps employees understand and adapt to the new corporate culture, ensuring a smoother integration process. It allows them to develop a common language and shared understanding, fostering a sense of unity and cohesion among employees.
- Customer Service and Relations. Merging companies typically aim to maintain and enhance customer relationships. Language training enables employees to communicate with customers who speak different languages effectively. It improves customer service by ensuring clear and accurate communication, understanding customer needs, and building rapport. This, in turn, helps to retain existing customers and attract new ones.
- Global Operations. Mergers often involve expanding into new markets and regions. Language training equips employees with the language skills to engage with international clients, partners, and stakeholders. It enables the merged company to operate globally, navigate cultural nuances, and seize opportunities in new markets.
- Employee Development and Retention. Post-merger, employees may feel uncertain or anxious about changes in their roles, reporting structures, or the company's overall direction. Language training demonstrates the organization's commitment to supporting employee growth and development. It provides employees with new skills to enhance their professional prospects and job satisfaction, increasing loyalty and reducing turnover.
- Enhanced Productivity. Effective communication and understanding among employees lead to increased productivity. Language training helps employees overcome language barriers and work more efficiently together. It improves clarity in instructions, reduces misunderstandings, and fosters a collaborative environment, ultimately boosting productivity and achieving business objectives.
Post-merger language training promotes effective communication, cultural integration, customer service, global operations, employee development, and productivity. It facilitates a smoother transition and sets the foundation for a successful merged company by aligning diverse teams and maximizing their potential.
It should be noted that learning a new language is a major undertaking and should be addressed before two companies start operating as one. Giving your workforce enough time to learn a language and new business terminology in another language means they can be effective from day one instead of playing catch up.
You're in the right place if you’re interested in starting language lessons for your organization. Global LT has been in the language and culture business for over 40 years and hires teachers trained to focus on a specific goal and outcome. Get in touch, and we’ll get you started.
This blog post was written by Patricia Diaz, VP of Marketing.
