English proficiency is now closely linked to how effectively employees collaborate across borders and teams. Global employers report that strong English skills directly affect productivity, clarity, and decision making. As organisations operate more internationally, English has become the shared language that enables day to day work.
For employers across the world, English proficiency has become a real asset within the workforce. During hiring processes, a good level of English is no longer considered a ‘soft’ optional skill; it’s the difference between hiring an interviewee and not.
English proficiency is now a core employability capability; employers see it as a skill closely tied to appropriate AI use, cross-border collaboration, productivity, and promotion readiness. Some companies are even beginning to change their opinion on English proficiency. Previously considered something that is a ‘good skill to have’, global trends show that it’s now an essential skill that staff should have.
ETS have produced a TOEIC Global English Skills Report, which surveyed of more than 1,300 global HR decision-makers across 17 countries. The findings are fascinating – here are a few of the stand-out points
- 90–92% of global employers say English proficiency is critical to organisational performance and more important than five years ago
- 78% of employers now assess English proficiency directly during recruitment, up from pre 2020 levels where assessment was far less systematic
- Companies using standardised English assessments report higher productivity, retention, and internal mobility compared to those that rely on CV level proxies (degrees, country of study)
It’s also interesting to consider what ETS found around AI usage and effectiveness. Translations using AI cannot be compared to a complete understanding of English language. Here is what they had to say:
The findings from this report challenge the assumption that AI can compensate for language gaps. Across reading, writing, listening, and speaking, about six in ten global employers say AI cannot make up for a lack of English proficiency. Nine in ten say English skills are needed for using AI interfaces, generating effective prompts, and evaluating AI-generated information. A huge 81% of employers now believe that the widescale adoption of AI tools across the world has increased the need for English proficiency, rather than reduce it. English is increasingly being treated on the same level as numeracy or digital literacy; a baseline skill, which is both measured regularly and progressed via training. Institutions such as ours are still crucial in providing students with skills and pathways into employment or higher education.
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Why has English proficiency become more important for employers in 2026?
How are employers assessing English proficiency during hiring?
Many employers now assess English proficiency directly as part of the recruitment process. This can include standardised language tests, interviews focused on communication, or job related language tasks. Employers report better hiring outcomes when language is assessed objectively rather than inferred from qualifications. As a result, English assessment is becoming a standard recruitment tool rather than an exception.
Can AI tools replace the need for English proficiency at work?
Global hiring data shows that AI cannot replace a genuine understanding of English. Employers say that using AI effectively still requires strong reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Tasks such as prompting AI tools, judging output quality, and communicating results depend on language ability. Rather than reducing the need for English, AI has made it more important.
What does this mean for students and education providers?
Students need to view English proficiency as a core employability skill, not just a learning requirement. Education providers play a critical role in developing practical language skills that translate directly into the workplace. Strong English proficiency helps students access better job opportunities and progress faster in their careers. Institutions that integrate language development into employability pathways remain essential in preparing students for global work environments.