Language barriers and accent anxiety undermining workplace performance
Learning and development leaders are being urged to address language-related anxiety and communication gaps, after a new study found they are impacting productivity, safety and equity in US workplaces.
Language-related challenges, including accent anxiety and multilingual communication gaps, are significantly affecting productivity, safety and equity in American workplaces, according to a new national survey.
The study found that one in five workers feel judged for their accent, with top earners losing up to $25,000 annually in productivity due to communication-related anxiety. Among those earning over $100,000, nearly a quarter report spending more than two hours each day worrying about how they speak.
The findings also highlight issues of fairness and operational risk:
- 24% of respondents believe multilingual hiring requirements are discriminatory.
- 25% have faced safety risks due to language barriers, particularly in emergencies, equipment use and client interactions.
- Yet only 24% of workplaces offer any form of language training or support.
Generational differences were also marked. Gen Z workers are the most likely to learn another language for work, often to better communicate with colleagues, while older generations tend to prioritise client-facing communication.
Multilingual skills also appear to offer financial advantages: 43% of multilingual workers reported earning at least $5,000 more per year, with many citing pay rises and promotions linked directly to their language abilities.
Maren Pauli, head of didactics at Babbel for Business, the corporate language training provider behind the study, said: ‘Accent anxiety and language barriers create both visible and invisible challenges, from safety risks on the factory floor to missed opportunities in the boardroom. Investing in language learning isn’t about ticking a box, it’s about ensuring that every employee has the skills and support they need to work safely, communicate confidently and thrive.’
While many learning and development professionals already recognise the value of language and communication skills, the research adds new urgency by quantifying the financial, emotional and safety costs of underinvestment. It suggests that language learning may deserve greater strategic attention within wellbeing, DEI and workforce development agendas — particularly in multilingual or international environments.
The research was conducted by Talker on behalf of Babbel for Business in February 2025. It surveyed 2,000 working adults across the US, spanning a range of industries, income levels and language backgrounds.