How Localizing E-Learning Benefits your Firm

Many workplaces are now multicultural organizations with staff from various backgrounds, cultures and countries who are likely to speak many different languages.

A diverse workforce is advantageous for firms from every sector as it tends to increase creativity, productivity, strengthens brand trust and improves cultural awareness.

However, the need for localized training within a multicultural workforce is paramount, especially if you want your training to be a success.

When considering training, expecting a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to work within a global organization is likely to lead to disappointment, re-training costs, and employee dissatisfaction.

If you want your employees to learn from the training your firm provides then localized, native-language based E-learning is one of the best options, and here’s why…

Why Localize E-Learning?

Most international firms now recognise the benefits of training their teams, be it through continuing professional development courses, or E-learning courses covering topics such as, online security or cultural awareness.

The benefits of training often show in the following ways:

• Increased productivity

• Improved customer relations

• Higher turnover

• Higher staff retention

• Happier, healthier, more content staff

• Improved creativity and problem solving

• Better brand confidence

However, if you are failing to localize E-learning for your multicultural team, and are only offering English-language based courses, you will find that the success and effectiveness of your training will diminish.

This is due in part to the language barrier, even though many people around the world speak English as a second language, it does not mean they understand nuance or key concepts which aren’t in their native language.

Similarly, socio-cultural difference will play a key part in understanding and engagement of training, as what may be acceptable or customary in some countries, may not be fitting or appropriate in others.

In instances where cultural norms differ widely (such as, the UK and Middle East) E-learning courses should ideally be tailored (localized) to suit your workforce and the primary socio-cultural norms, as this ensures suitability of course content (images, colour, and so on) and also, language.

How to Localize E-learning

Localizing E-learning can be time-consuming, challenging, and costly if it isn’t a process with which you are familiar or confident.

If you aren’t a native speaker, or are unaccustomed to the culture into which you are localizing, then the most viable, proficient and cost-effective way to localize E-learning for your workforce is to use a professional training provider, or language service provider, who can translate and localize your courses, or offer bespoke courses produced to your exact requirements.

Creative Word Training offers expertly created training courses which are designed by talented, native-speaking linguists who are qualified in a multitude of industries such as law, business, engineering and finance, so you can rest assured that any courses you choose from our vast selection will be professionally localized and translated to suit your audience.

If you would like to talk to a member of our team about how we can help with localizing your E-learning courses, or want to discuss which of our training courses best suits your needs, then please contact us here.