Bayer | Understanding culture through languages

Bayer AG is a German life science organization, and one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world with a presence in over 87 countries. With a 150-year history, and core competencies in health care and agriculture, Bayer’s innovative products are contributing to solving major global challenges.

Bayer’s global operation means language competency is essential to successful cross-border collaboration and impactful change, and employees must be supported as they move between countries.

With an increased focus on digitalization, Bayer wanted to remove barriers from their training programs to offer single sign-on and reduced administrative work to aid better engagement. This would enable the organization to remain ahead of the curve and cover their employees’ needs to help them navigate their life abroad in the best possible way.

In this case study, we explore how language learning and cultural understanding go hand in hand, proving the importance of enriching learning experiences to enable employees to grow.

With a largely international workforce, it is crucial for Bayer to support employees and their families for the best possible personal and professional start. Effective language learning has been important in making employees feel at home, while gaining an understanding of a new culture.

EF Corporate Learning and Bayer’s teams worked closely together to roll out the program across the organization and educate employees on the language offerings and benefits provided.

Besides general language lessons, Bayer’s learners have hugely benefited from taking part in special interest classes focused on the organization’s core interests:

• Willkommen in Deutschland (Welcome to Germany) covers the essentials of German culture including understanding dynamics, education, careers, festivities, traditions, among others

• Biowissenschaft (which translates into life science) is related to the pharmaceutical and agriculture industry ranging from health, sustainability, and innovation to agriculture and pharmaceuticals, among others

These two topics have contributed to a more inclusive and diverse workplace where employees can better understand each other, the culture, and the language.

Participant feedback at Bayer has been extremely positive. Employees report feeling supported in their careers, with the time and space to develop their language skills at their own pace. The training program has enabled learners to direct and drive their development.