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Impact of language on wellbeing
5th of January 2026 Article by John Griep
John Griep from VSR in the Netherlands on why language skills in the workplace matter.
In the professional cleaning sector, language proficiency is often underestimated, yet it plays a decisive role in teamwork, safety and employee engagement. In the Dutch cleaning industry, leading professionals have noted limited fluency in the dominant workplace language often goes unnoticed, yet it can lead to misunderstandings, increased absenteeism or staff turnover and missed opportunities for development. Here I explore why language skills matter, what research says about their impact and how companies can respond.
Impact of language on work
Language in cleaning work is more than a tool for reading labels or following instructions; it shapes how employees feel valued, included and safe. A study by Vereniging Schoonmaak Research (VSR) found that non-native speakers often struggle to follow safety protocols, engage in team dialogue or access training - directly affecting wellbeing and retention.
When workers cannot fully understand product information or verbal instructions, accident risks increase and the safety culture weakens. International studies similarly link language barriers to lower compliance and higher incident rates in labour-intensive sectors.
Language proficiency has three key impacts:
• Safety: clear understanding of instructions and emergency procedures.
• Connection: stronger teams, lower absenteeism, greater trust.
• Development: easier access to training, leadership, career growth.
So investing in language skills is not optional; it is a strategic choice enhancing quality, morale and performance.
Research by Aspire2 Workplace Communication (2024) highlights the vital role of language proficiency for cleaning employees. Its 2024 white paper describes that core literacy - including reading, writing and workplace communication - together with numeracy, directly affects efficiency, safety and customer satisfaction. In one case, targeted training led to a 25 per cent reduction in chemical-related accidents, showing that integrating language and communication support into training and safety programmes delivers measurable improvements in both performance and risk management.
Language skills are not just ‘nice to have’; they are integral to both the technical and interpersonal competencies that define professional cleaning.
Practical approaches
Drawing on Dutch and international experience, several effective measures stand out:
• Tailored language courses and buddy systems: customised learning paths, mentoring and local partnerships.
• Language in the workflow: on-the-job support and task-based learning improve relevance.
• Multilingual tools: apps and visual guides make essential information accessible.
• Safety-first communication: simple, clear and multilingual documentation reduces risk.
• Shared terminology: SIS-T: a common language for professional cleaning shows how clear, standardised language supports consistency, safety and professional trust.
Language as a strategic asset
Language proficiency in the industry is not just about communication; it underpins safety, inclusion and quality. Companies that invest gain both a competitive and ethical advantage. The Dutch experience shows investment strengthens operations as well as confidence and dignity of workers.
As one Dutch industry leader observed: “You see people grow - in their work, but above all in who they are.” In a sector facing labour shortages and compliance demands, language competence is a differentiator.
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