Case Study: Boosting English Skills at a Leading Food Ingredients Distributor in Vietnam

In today’s global market, effective communication is essential for success, and a prominent food ingredient distributor recognized that improving their employees' English skills could make a significant difference. This realization came after the company had tried various training providers in the past, mostly relying on traditional offline teachers. While these teachers were competent, the learning didn’t stick, and employees were not thrilled about staying late after work for classes. To overcome these challenges, the company teamed up with Open English Vietnam to create a blended learning model that combined online and offline elements. This case study explores how this initiative unfolded and what it achieved over a six-month period.

?

The partnership aimed to achieve a few key goals:

1. Boost Employee Engagement: Make English learning enjoyable and appealing for everyone, transforming the perception of language training from a chore to an engaging experience.
2. Enhance English Proficiency: Help employees improve their English skills, especially their confidence and conversational abilities, which are crucial for effective communication in a multicultural work environment.
3. Ensure Knowledge Retention: Create learning outcomes that employees could apply in real-life situations, ensuring that the training translated into practical skills.

Open English Vietnam proposed an exciting collaborative learning initiative, integrating various methods to create a comprehensive training program. Here’s how it worked:

1. Bimonthly English Workshops: Open English assisted the company’s Learning and Development (L&D) team with organizing motivational and engagement-oriented workshops every two months. These sessions focused on practical conversation skills, cultural nuances, and effective workplace communication. To further boost engagement, the workshops included friendly competitions among participants, with small prizes awarded to those who demonstrated high levels of participation and enthusiasm. These games were tailored to align with the realities of the company, making them highly relevant and engaging for the employees. This gamified approach not only made learning fun but also fostered a sense of community among employees.

2. Live Classes with Native Teachers: Employees participated in live online classes with native English speakers at their convenience. This freedom allowed participants to choose times that fit their schedules, encouraging real-time interaction and making learning more dynamic and engaging. The native teachers brought cultural insights and real-world language usage to the sessions, enhancing the learning experience.

3. Structured Learning Goals: Each employee was encouraged to attend at least eight live classes per month. They also had specific, achievable goals for practicing different lessons on the Open English platform. This structured approach ensured that employees had clear targets to strive for, which helped maintain motivation and focus.

4. Progress Tracking: A dedicated Customer Success Executive was assigned to monitor participants' progress throughout the program. They provided regular feedback and support, helping to keep everyone motivated and on track. This personalized attention allowed for adjustments in learning paths as needed, ensuring that each employee could progress at their own pace.

5. Feedback Mechanisms: Regular surveys and feedback sessions were held to gather input from participants about their learning experiences. This information was invaluable in making real-time adjustments to the program, ensuring it remained relevant and effective.

Over the six-month pilot, the results were impressive:

Increased Confidence: Participants noticed a significant boost in their confidence when speaking English. The live interactions with native speakers helped them feel more comfortable engaging in conversations at work. Many employees reported feeling less anxious about speaking English in front of colleagues, which is a crucial step for effective communication.

• Improved Proficiency Levels: Data collected over the six-month period indicated that at least 52% of users advanced by one level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), primarily moving from A2 to B1. Some highly motivated employees even jumped from A2 to B2, proving that with determination and the right support, real progress is possible. This advancement not only enhanced their language skills but also opened up new opportunities for career growth within the organization.

• Enhanced Engagement: The blended approach not only drew employees in but also created a sense of community. The workshops encouraged peer interaction, making the overall learning experience much richer. Employees began to share their learning experiences and tips with one another, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

• Positive Workplace Culture: The initiative contributed to a more positive workplace culture by promoting continuous learning and development. Employees felt valued by the organization, knowing that their professional growth was a priority.

?

Of course, the journey wasn’t without its hurdles:

1. Initial Hesitance Towards Online Learning: Some employees were unsure about the online aspect of the training. To tackle this, Open English held introductory sessions to familiarize everyone with the platform and its features, emphasizing the benefits of live instruction. These sessions helped demystify online learning and made employees more comfortable engaging with the technology.
2. Balancing Work and Learning: Finding time for learning amidst busy work schedules was a challenge for some. Open English and the food ingredient distributor worked together to create flexible learning schedules, allowing employees to engage with the material on their terms while still hitting their learning goals. This flexibility was crucial in accommodating the diverse schedules of employees across different departments.
3. Maintaining Motivation: As with any training program, keeping motivation high over six months was a concern. To address this, regular check-ins and motivational sessions were incorporated, where participants could share their progress and celebrate achievements. The friendly competitions during workshops also played a significant role in maintaining enthusiasm.

?

This collaboration between the food ingredient distributor and Open English Vietnam highlights the success of a collaborative, blended learning approach to improve English proficiency. By combining engaging online classes, a gamified and easily accessible platform, and interactive company-led workshops, the organization fostered a culture of continuous learning and development. Participants saw real improvements in their language skills, benefiting both themselves and the organization as a whole.

This initiative serves as a great example for other companies looking to enhance language skills within their workforce, proving that with the right strategies and support, significant progress is within reach. Not only did the employees gain valuable skills, but the company also positioned itself as a forward-thinking organization that values employee development, ultimately contributing to a more competent and confident workforce.

?