Kuehne+Nagel: Empowering Global Success Through Inclusive Language Training
As one of the world’s largest logistics and transportation companies, Kuehne+Nagel recognises the vital role of language training. It enhances communication, promotes inclusion, and fosters a cohesive, collaborative workplace, driving the company’s global success.
About
Kuehne+Nagel has a century-long history and a future-focused vision. Operating in around 100 countries, it stands as a global leader in logistics and transportation, employing over 80,000 professionals dedicated to providing innovative and sustainable solutions for sea, air, road, and contract logistics. Founded in Bremen in 1890, Kuehne+Nagel entered Italy in 1964, where it now employs over 1,500 people across more than 35 locations.
The company is committed to delivering meaningful professional experiences in a workplace that values people and encourages personal growth and fulfillment. Kuehne+Nagel Italy is focused on creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where diversity, equity, inclusion, and well-being are always prioritised. By fostering a culture of respect and opportunity, the company ensures that every employee can thrive and achieve their full potential, driving success at every level.
Language training is an opportunity for everyone: the company, people of different nationalities, and their family members. It is an important lever for personal growth as well as inclusion.
Marilena Dalla Patti, HR Director, Kuehne+Nagel Italy
Challenge
Kuehne+Nagel Italy partnered with Speexx to enhance employees’ language skills, focusing on English for Freight Forwarding and Italian for non-native speakers. The objective is to provide the entire Kuehne+Nagel team with equal opportunities to develop language skills, fostering inclusion, and boosting work efficiency.
By choosing Speexx, the company has gained access to targeted solutions tailored to specific needs through a modular platform accessible on both computers and smartphones.
Solution
The project started in 2022 with the launch of Speexx Core, active for English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian. Subsequently, managers were given the option to nominate team members for premium language training courses tailored to specific needs.
Kuehne+Nagel Italy launched a unique initiative allowing employees to gift a Speexx membership to a person of their choice. This provided an additional training opportunity and a valuable benefit for all. It also reinforced one of the brand’s core values: knowledge sharing as a pathway to growth.
In the first year, the workforce showed strong engagement with the online courses and continues to actively use the platform, completing over 5,000 hours of self-study activities to date.
The course is enjoyable and engaging, with exercises that effectively reinforce newly acquired skills.
Outcome
Numerous initiatives were launched to engage employees, including teasers and reminders delivered both physically and digitally. Additionally, in celebration of the European Day of Languages, English-language webinars are held annually to promote language skills and inclusion. Complementing these efforts is a Business English course designed specifically for the company’s talent program.
As a result, over 800 individuals, including employees and workers, have been actively involved.
The language program has proven to be a key driver in attracting new talent and plays a crucial role in the onboarding process. Furthermore, employees using Speexx solutions have reported significant personal and professional growth, benefiting greatly from improved language skills that enhance both their confidence and effectiveness at work.
Outlook
Kuehne+Nagel has extended its collaboration with Speexx, underscoring a partnership that continues to strengthen. Together, they are committed to offering employees a language training solution that is practical, effective, accessible, and fosters inclusion across the organisation.
