Walgreens Boots Alliance goes multi-lingual through e-learning

Abstract

Purpose – Explains how Walgreens Boots Alliance teamed up with Rosetta Stone on a digital language-learning program that is bringing many and significant benefits to individual employees and the company as a whole. Design/methodology/approach – Reveals that the aims were to develop English fluency for the non-English native speakers in the organization that work across countries and divisions and build language skills in at least one other main language spoken widely within the business. Provides a series of tips for anyone wanting to gain the far-reaching benefits of language learning in their organization. Findings – Describes how the e-learning course includes live online sessions with native-speaking tutors, conversation practice and games. Explains that the company also plans to supplement the structured digital-based learning with practice sessions in a work setting. These are planned to be so informal that people do not feel like they are learning or being taught. They will be social, networking occasions, such as “lunch in French” or other scheduled get-togethers where people are able to practice the language that they are learning. Practical implications – Highlights the importance of being realistic about time, supporting employees facing a digital challenge, getting sponsor support, integrating the continuous-learning concept into the organization, and using ambassadors. Social implications – Advances the view that a mastery of foreign languages is essential for successful business collaboration across countries and cultures, particularly for managers and directors. In providing language training for these serious learners, the company is not only helping its employees to understand each other better and relate to each other’s background and culture but also growing the business. Originality/value – Concludes that a digital-learning approach to language learning can help businesses to meet their learning goals and deliver training that is interactive, convenient and fun for learners.