The importance of multilingual skills in the Tech industry

The world is getting smaller and smaller in an era defined by globalisation and unprecedented migration. The tech industry stands at the forefront of this transformative wave, shaping how we connect, communicate, and collaborate.  

Let’s face it, no industry has gone as wide and global as the tech industry. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of multilingualism in this thriving industry cannot be overstated.

Here, we delve into the profound impact of multilingual skills on the tech industry, exploring how employing individuals who are able to speak multiple languages enables businesses to navigate cultural boundaries, seize global opportunities, and foster innovation. Because in an increasingly interconnected world, being able to communicate in multiple languages is not just a skill , but an essential tool for success.

"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world."   
- Ludwig Wittgenstein

Creating a workforce that's inclusive, diverse, and most importantly multilingual

What we see today at any global organisation is a tapestry of diverse cultures that blurs differentiators. Businesses are expanding their reach beyond their home countries, and technology is connecting individuals from different corners of the world.

This newfound interconnectivity presents a wealth of opportunities for professionals in the tech industry. And adopting a multilingual culture acts as a catalyst to make the process smoother and more efficient.

Multilingualism helps professionals bridge the gaps between cultures and forge meaningful connections with colleagues, clients, and customers around the world. Imagine being able to have seamless conversations with international clients, collaborate effortlessly with diverse teams, or navigate foreign markets with confidence. 

These are just a few of the countless opportunities that hiring multilingual employees unlocks.

Let's look at Airbnb. Its ability to provide localised experiences by enabling hosts and guests to communicate in their respective languages, fostering a sense of belonging, and cultural immersion has played a huge part in their worldwide success.

Diverse workforce, diverse languages, diverse perceptions

We cannot overlook the richness of perceptions and ideas that a diverse workforce - that is conditioned socially and speaks different languages with different cultural backgrounds - brings to the table.

Penn State research found that multilingual people have advantages over monolinguals in certain mental abilities, such as editing out irrelevant information and focusing on important information, which makes them adept at prioritising tasks and working on multiple projects at once.

The tech industry thrives on innovation, fueled by diverse perspectives and the cross-pollination of ideas. Multilingualism plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and collaboration by enabling effective communication among multicultural teams.

When individuals can express themselves in their native languages, it enhances understanding, encourages the exchange of unique insights, and leads to the development of groundbreaking solutions.

The multinational corporation Siemens acknowledges this significance and states; "Language diversity is a key enabler for innovation. Different languages come with different ways of thinking."

Moreover, multilingual professionals have the ability to dig deeper into global trends and insights. By navigating different language communities and keeping up with the latest developments, they can tap into a wealth of knowledge that monolingual professionals might miss. This expanded knowledge base is a catalyst for creativity and breakthroughs in the tech industry.

Seizing global opportunities

Almost all major cities, such as New York, Toronto, Melbourne, London, Utrecht, Johannesburg, Kuala Lumpur, and Mumbai, are multilingual hotspots.

“Business, employment, and scholarship are increasingly global and multilingual, and citizens of the 21st century need a new range of skills and strategies to supplement their core language learning skills.”
- Cambridge Assessment English Perspectives

Multilingualism equips tech professionals and businesses to tap into global opportunities. With the ability to communicate across linguistic boundaries, companies can expand their operations to emerging markets, reach untapped user bases, and unlock new revenue streams.

Google, for instance, offers its products and services in over 100 languages, ensuring its global dominance by adapting to local contexts and attracting users worldwide.

In a world where business knows no borders, building strong relationships with international partners is paramount. Multilingual professionals possess a powerful tool for cultivating these relationships. The ability to have meaningful conversations with clients, partners, and stakeholders in their own language not only strengthens bonds, but also opens doors to new opportunities.

Did you know: 90% of our multilingual placements come from Sales roles with a language requirement - e.g. Business Development Representatives, Sales Development Representatives, and Account Executives.

Redefining Customer Service to a whole new level

In an increasingly customer-centric tech landscape, providing exceptional user experiences and responsive customer support is something that you cannot afford to miss.  

When customers can communicate in their preferred language, they feel more comfortable and understood. This leads to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Multilingual customer service representatives can address inquiries, concerns, and issues more effectively, reducing misunderstandings and friction. This ultimately leads to better customer retention and a positive brand reputation.

Moreover, multilingual recruitment enables businesses to expand their global customer base. By speaking the language of potential customers, companies can tap into new markets and establish connections with international audiences. This opens up endless opportunities for growth and success.

Amazon, for instance, offers customer service in multiple languages, prioritising linguistic accessibility and customer satisfaction on a global scale.

Join the multilingual movement and access immense possibilities

As the tech industry continues to shape our interconnected world, multilingualism emerges as an indispensable tool for success. By bridging cultural divides, seizing global opportunities, fostering innovation, and enhancing user experiences, businesses can thrive in the fast-paced global marketplace.

Embracing multilingualism not only empowers tech professionals to adapt and connect with diverse audiences, but also enables companies to unlock the true potential of global connectivity. 

If you are looking to hire candidates with multilingual skills, contact us.