A new global survey reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) is increasing – not reducing – the demand for English proficiency in the workplace.
The Global English Skills Report from ETS TOEIC, a survey of more than 1,300 HR decision-makers across 17 countries, found that English proficiency is becoming increasingly essential as organisations adopt AI tools, expand internationally and seek higher workforce productivity.
According to the report, 81% of employers said integrating AI tools is increasing the need for English proficiency in the workplace, highlighting how technology is amplifying, rather than replacing, the demand for strong communication skills.
The findings reflect a broader shift in how organisations view language skills in the modern workforce. What was once considered a “soft skill” is increasingly seen as a strategic capability tied to productivity, collaboration, and global competitiveness.
AI INCREASING DEMAND FOR ENGLISH SKILLS
The report found that 90% of employers believe English proficiency is critical to organisational success. Another 92% say it is more important today than it was five years ago.
As companies integrate AI into everyday workflows, employees must increasingly interact with English-language interfaces, generate prompts and evaluate AI-generated outputs. These interactions require clear communication and comprehension skills.
Nine in 10 employers surveyed said English proficiency is necessary for effectively using AI tools, including navigating interfaces, writing effective prompts and interpreting information generated by AI systems.
At the same time, the report challenges the idea that AI can compensate for weak language skills. Across reading, writing, listening and speaking, about six in 10 global employers said AI cannot make up for a lack of English proficiency.
“AI doesn’t close the skills gap. People do,” said Ratnesh Jha, Global General Manager of Institutional Products at ETS. “What this research makes clear is that English is now a core workforce capability, not a soft skill. It’s how employees collaborate across borders, how organisations unlock the value of AI, and how talent stays relevant in a rapidly changing economy.”
ENGLISH LANGUAGE: A STRATEGIC WORKFORCE CAPABILITY
The report also links English proficiency to measurable business outcomes. Organisations using standardised English assessments reported stronger results across key performance areas including:
- organisational growth
- competitive standing
- employee productivity
- workflow efficiency
- professional development
Employers also pointed to real costs when language skills are lacking. Eighty-six percent of respondents said organisations without fluent English speakers are at a competitive disadvantage. A further 83% reported that hiring candidates with insufficient English skills creates operational costs, including lower productivity and employee retention challenges.
These findings suggest that language capability is increasingly connected to broader business strategy, especially for companies operating across international markets.
HOW EMPLOYERS ARE ASSESSING ENGLISH SKILLS
The survey shows that many organisations are integrating English assessments into their talent development strategies. Employers reported the most common uses for English assessments include:
- Recruitment and hiring (78%)
- Pre-training evaluation (71%)
- Promotion readiness (66%)
Standardised third-party assessments were rated as the most effective method for evaluating workplace communication skills. Looking ahead, 84% of employers expect organizations in their country to invest in English assessments and education within the next five years, reflecting the growing importance of language proficiency in a technology-driven economy.
PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR EMPLOYERS NAVIGATING THE ENGLISH SKILLS GAP
As organisations continue adopting artificial intelligence and expanding global collaboration, experts say employers should treat language capability as part of their broader workforce strategy. Here are several practical steps companies can take to prepare employees for an AI-driven workplace.
1. Assess workforce language capabilities
Organisations should begin by evaluating English proficiency across roles and departments to identify communication gaps. Standardised assessments can provide objective benchmarks across reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Understanding existing skill levels allows companies to design targeted development programmes.
2. Integrate English training with AI and digital skills programmes
As AI tools become embedded in daily work, language proficiency and digital literacy increasingly overlap. Employees often need English skills to write prompts, interpret outputs and collaborate across international teams.
Combining English development with AI training can strengthen both capabilities simultaneously.
3. Incorporate language assessments into hiring and promotion
Many employers already use English assessments during recruitment and promotion processes. Establishing language benchmarks can help ensure employees are prepared for roles requiring cross-border collaboration or global client engagement.
This approach can also help organisations build stronger communication capabilities across teams.
4. Invest in continuous language development
Language proficiency improves through ongoing learning and practice. Employers can support development through workplace training programs, coaching and digital learning platforms that strengthen communication skills over time.
Continuous learning initiatives help employees remain competitive while improving organisational performance.
5. Align language skills with business strategy
Companies that treat English proficiency as a strategic workforce capability may be better positioned to benefit from AI adoption and international expansion.
Aligning language development with broader talent strategies, technology initiatives, and growth plans can help organisations maximise both human and technological potential.
PREPARING THE WORKFORCE FOR AN AI-DRIVEN ECONOMY
As AI becomes embedded in everyday work and global collaboration accelerates, the Global English Skills Report positions English proficiency as a critical enabler of workforce readiness.
The findings suggest that organisations able to measure, develop and strengthen English communication skills may be better equipped to adopt AI technologies, engage employees and compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.
For employers navigating digital transformation, the message is clear: technological innovation alone is not enough. Human communication skills remain a foundational component of productivity, collaboration and long-term competitiveness.
Click here to download a full copy of the report.
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