English as a Second Langauge Problems in the Workforce

Current Situation
Productivity is suffering in many Australian workplaces because employees from non English speaking backgrounds do not have adequate English language skills in their specialised area. In many cases, employees have not formally studied English since high school and they have forgotten the basics of English grammar, speaking and writing. Without personalised analysis and correction, their errors become reinforced and difficult to address.

Common English Mistakes
• Mispronunciation of sounds, words and sentences
• Confusion of verb tenses when speaking and writing
• Inappropriate use of common expressions and phrases
• Inability to understand idioms and colloquial English
• Difficulties with numbers, dates, acronyms and abbreviations
• Translation of inappropriate phrases from the native language into English

Effects in the Workplace
• Clients are confused with poorly written emails
• Reports include numerous language mistakes
• Poor communication by telephone
• Lack of confidence in internal and client meetings
• Reliance on limited phrases for a range of situations
• Inability to give subtle messages when speaking or writing
• Use of ‘out-of-date’ English
• Frustration felt by native English speaking colleagues and clients
• Time loss when native English speaking colleagues act as ‘teachers’

Reasons for Difficulties in Getting Help
• Language schools offer generic courses that don’t suit employee needs
• Language schools prefer to offer large class sizes
• Self-study materials including books, CDs and websites don’t give feedback
• Non-qualified native English speakers can’t correctly analyse language mistakes
• Lack of time outside work to study a lengthy formal course