5 Unexpected Online Training Localization Benefits That Improve ROI

5 Localization Benefits That Improve ROI
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Summary: In an increasingly global market, localization may seem like a counter-intuitive decision. Why is it one worth taking, and what’s its impact on the ground?

5 eLearning Localization Benefits

Consumers with a sweet tooth can tell you a little something about the joy of localized products. Some of their favorite confectionaries have distinct flavor variations they’ve grown accustomed to. It’s not just about appeasing their taste buds but finding something familiar. Localizing online training follows the same principle. Though it may not involve tantalizing treats, it makes the experience more relatable. Employees recognize images and characters they can connect with on a personal level instead of giving them generalized content that doesn’t hold any meaning. But is it really worth the investment? What are some of the unexpected online training localization benefits that improve ROI?

1. Local Flavor

If you speak more than one language, you’ll understand that some things can’t be translated. That’s why even English speakers appreciate terms like “je ne sais quoi,” which literally means “I don’t know what.” Or “schadenfreude,” the very Saxon sentiment that hints at a misery-loving company. These turns of phrase don’t just express emotion; they also convey culture. When you’re selling a product or service in a particular market, customs matter. They may come in the form of language preference—you want your trainees to use the tongue they’re most familiar with. Other times, it’s more about regional mores. Take a European training video and dub it into English without contextualizing gestures. Bad idea. Your message will easily get lost in translation. Localization gives you the ability to convey these subtle nuances to improve employee performance (and profits).

2. Deeper Comprehension

Similarly, authentic elaborations ensure your trainees gain a better understanding of their training materials. Think of your typical outsourced call center. In recent times, staff has been sourced from international locales. These reps may have good technical know-how, but they lack the language to clearly express it. Their counterparts "sound right" but they don’t always have a skill set that extends beyond, “Here’s your ticket code.” Effective training deals with each challenge at its own level. This means while both sets of employees may work for the same company, they have varied training needs. One may need a stronger focus on syntax and soft skills. Their colleagues probably need to engage the software on a more personal level. So, their how-to videos will be more product-driven. By tweaking your content for its regional target, you ensure better and more efficient knowledge transfer. Both sets of trainees will therefore get more value from their training sessions, raising your ROI.

3. eLearning Localization Accommodates Individual Needs

Staffers have divergent training needs. These needs are directly linked to their locale. For example, employees with access to bullet trains can make longer commutes. They may be in transit for two hours at a time, traversing distances that may take bussing employees several days. Meanwhile, their counterparts can, for example, plan their bus ride with precision. They can safely plan a ride at 3.57 on the dot. As far as training needs go, that means staff members in certain parts of the globe can study for an hour at a time, so their modules can be longer. While others might prefer to have it broken into 15-minute chunks. This better matches their brief commutes. Forcing employees to break an hour’s lesson into fits and spurts limits the efficacy of their lesson. Similarly, forcing other employees to complete six lessons an hour prevents them from properly absorbing their modules. They’ll be crammed together without assimilation breaks.

4. Better Branding

One of the biggest online training localization benefits is uniformity. Regardless of where they are, your trainees receive the same training. This can be especially useful in a franchise setup. Every member of the team gets the same brand messaging. For example, they’re all aware of company policies and the image you want to convey to consumers. As a result, you increase the credibility of your brand and customer loyalty. Plus, employees know what you represent and can proudly stand behind your company, thereby fostering a stronger sense of community and in-house loyalty, which helps you retain your top talent.

5. Improve Compliance

In some cases, companies have to set aside a significant amount of money for compliance fees and penalties. At the very least, their brand image may take a hit due to employees who violate their code of ethics. Localization ensures that all of your employees and external partners know the difference between right and wrong from a corporate viewpoint. You can verify that every staff member has access to translated resources that pertain to their neck of the proverbial woods. For example, employees in your California branch know which laws and regulations relate to their job duties, while those in your East coast branch are aware of the government guidelines they must follow. This also applies to compliance on a global scale. This improves ROI because you don’t need to foot the bill for violations or suffer from diminished brand credibility. Everyone is on the same page and is aware of company policies as they relate to their positions and job responsibilities.

Conclusion

eLearning localization goes far beyond changing the language. It has to consider regional conditions and requirements. One trainee may be great at creating rapport. Another might have a seemingly intrinsic ability to be polite under pressure. By tailoring your course material to local needs, you enhance recall and deepen knowledge retention. Offer the course in locally preferred languages. But remember to “translate” non-verbal elements and geographical references (place names, cuisine, wardrobe choices, etc.). Confirm whether and how regional training needs vary and cover those specifications. Use this approach to ensure trainees in different places eventually gather the same collective knowledge base.

Successful online training localization hinges on the perfect team of professionals, including someone who knows the ins and outs of the native language. Find the right eLearning translation provider in our online directory.