WorkdPlays has received DKK 1.9 million in development support from the Danish Industry (DI) Service Fund to scale and further develop a mobile language learning game specifically tailored to the cleaning sector.

With funding from the Service Industry Development Fund, established under the Service Agreement between DI and 3F, WorkdPlays will launch a sector-specific language learning game in September 2025. The game is designed to improve Danish language skills among employees in the cleaning sector.

The goal is not only to enhance employees’ language proficiency but also to strengthen workplace communication, improve well-being and employee retention, and promote integration between Danish-speaking and non-Danish-speaking colleagues. The game is primarily aimed at employees with limited Danish skills, as well as those who struggle with written Danish.

WorkdPlays is mobile-based, allowing employees to learn Danish in a fun and flexible way, both during and outside working hours. The WorkdPlays game-based language learning tool is built on well-documented research in language acquisition and motivation, ensuring an effective and engaging learning experience based on realistic workplace scenarios within the sector.

Read more about our research foundation here.

Additional Features
With support from the DI Service Fund, the WorkdPlays app is now being launched in an updated version featuring teaching tailored to the cleaning sector. The language learning game now also covers two new work areas – toilets and specialised cleaning. A built-in language test ensures that users start at the appropriate skill level, while the language difficulty progresses gradually. There is also a greater focus on realistic workplace dialogue in daily tasks.

The updated WorkdPlays app places renewed emphasis on motivation. With high scores, point systems, and more interactive elements, language learning becomes even more engaging. Users can now compete with colleagues and encourage each other to continue learning. At the same time, companies can track employees’ progress through statistical overviews, fully compliant with GDPR.

Positive Results from Pilot Projects
Initial trials of the WorkdPlays app for the cleaning sector took place at ISS and Profil Service in Zealand in 2023. The pilot projects showed positive results across different work environments (offices and laboratories). Employees with varying language skill levels (DU 2 and 3) were able to significantly improve their Danish, making fewer language errors and expanding their vocabulary. The greatest progress was seen among employees with basic Danish skills.

Positive feedback from team leaders also highlighted increased motivation for language learning among employees and confirmed that the game was well received. Overall, the language learning game has proven to be an effective supplementary tool, supporting improved communication and integration in the workplace.

Game Rollout in 2025
In autumn 2025, the sector-specific WorkdPlays app will be offered to all members of SBA and 3F, with a focus on large and medium-sized companies. Employees will be introduced to the language learning tool at regional meetings and through videos available in multiple languages.

WorkdPlays has developed three versions for DI Service members: Basic, Premium, and Premium+. During the first year, upgrading to the Premium version will be free for member companies covered by collective agreements.

About WorkdPlays
WorkdPlays was developed by Associate Professor Louise Tranekjær from Roskilde University, in collaboration with CLAVIS Language School and the software company PortaPlay. The project is based on extensive research into communication and language challenges in the workplace.

Want to know more?
Contact WorkdPlays for further information.

WorkdPlays ApS
Hulvejen 32, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark
T: +45 30 49 09 89
E: Louise@workdplays.dk