Italian Revenue Agency: Impact of Language Training on Staff in Just 6 Months
The Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate) selected Speexx as its partner for corporate language courses, prioritizing the enhancement of existing language skills and the delivery of customized training specifically tailored to meet the real needs of its staff.
About
Established in 2001, the Italian Revenue Agency emerged from the reorganization of the Financial Administration. This noneconomic public body operates under the Ministry of Economy and Finance, handling taxes and managing cadastral services, including property records.
As of December 2022, the Agency employs nearly 28,000 staff, with its headquarters in Rome and various regional and provincial offices throughout Italy. To meet the evolving needs of its employees, the Agency engaged Speexx to provide structured, technically focused language training tailored to the real-world demands of its workforce.
I am very comfortable with this mode of study; I really enjoy learning on this platform.
What I valued most about collaborating with Speexx was the flexibility of the learning paths and the adaptability of the teaching materials provided. Additionally, there have been—and continue to be—numerous opportunities for group discussion and interaction aimed at achieving our goal: improving the language skills of our team.
Salvatore Lazzara, Training Manager, Italian Revenue Agency
Challenge
Before partnering with Speexx, the Italian Revenue Agency used standardized language training approaches, aimed broadly at all public administration managers and officials. The challenge was to shift towards a more targeted, practical training method that would focus on customized content, directly reflecting the actual needs of its participants.
Furthermore, the agency faced significant challenges in delivering such specialized training effectively across its large and diverse workforce.
Solution
Responding to a request from the Italian Revenue Agency, Speexx conducted an initial analysis to assess the language training needs of a total of 1,500 employees. The program started with 500 users in January 2024, utilizing the Speexx Expert Pro package primarily for English.
This training solution includes a self-study platform with tailored content. It also offers video writing workshops, as well as virtual group and individual conversation classes, designed to enhance the written and oral communication skills of the Agency’s employees.
Outcome
The project, though still in its early stages, has already attracted considerable interest due to its innovative learning approach. From January to June, users averaged 17 hours of training each, significantly higher than the usual 3-4 hours.
This high engagement is confirmed by user feedback, highlighting the platform’s impact. Participants particularly value the tutors’ dedication to thoroughly explaining linguistic concepts, such as grammar, ensuring adequate time for assimilation. Exercises adapted to real-life scenarios further enhance knowledge retention.
Additionally, users really enjoy the microlearning strategy, which involves daily 15–20-minute sessions designed to effectively reinforce learning. This format has proven popular for its efficiency and adaptability.
Outlook
The Italian Revenue Agency plans to broaden its training programs to include all personnel while focusing on tailored solutions for top managers via Speexx 1:1 Executive, offering individual classes and dedicated coaching.
Additionally, while the current training is primarily in English, Speexx is also assisting the Agency in developing German language training solutions tailored to a specific target audience. This initiative aims to enhance comprehensive language skills across various organizational levels.
