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Global Employers Say AI Increasing Need for English Skills
New TOEIC report finds 81% of employers say AI integration boosts demand for workplace English proficiency
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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A new global survey of over 1,300 HR leaders across 17 countries by ETS's TOEIC program found that 81% of employers say integrating AI tools has increased the need for strong English communication skills in the workplace. The report highlights how English proficiency is now a core workforce capability, not just a 'soft skill', as it enables collaboration across borders, unlocks the value of AI, and keeps talent relevant in a changing economy.
Why it matters
As AI becomes more embedded in everyday work and global collaboration accelerates, the findings position English proficiency as a strategic enabler of workforce readiness, economic mobility, and technological adoption. Organizations able to accurately measure and develop English skills will be better equipped to drive growth, engage employees, and compete in an increasingly AI-powered global economy.
The details
The report found that 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. The report also highlights the growing role of English assessment in hiring and workforce development, with employers most commonly using assessments for recruitment (78%), pre-training evaluation (71%), and promotion readiness (66%).
- The TOEIC Global English Skills Report was released on March 9, 2026.
The players
ETS
ETS is a global education and talent solutions organization enabling lifelong learners to be future ready. It is the creator of the TOEIC assessment, the global leader in assessing English-communication skills for the workplace.
Ratnesh Jha
The Global General Manager of Institutional Products at ETS.
What they’re saying
“AI doesn't close the skills gap. People do. 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 organizations unlock the value of AI, and how talent stays relevant in a rapidly changing economy. Companies that invest in English proficiency are investing directly in productivity, innovation, and global competitiveness.”
— Ratnesh Jha, Global General Manager of Institutional Products (PRNewswire)
The takeaway
This report underscores that as AI and global collaboration become more integral to the modern workplace, English proficiency is emerging as a critical driver of workforce readiness, productivity, and competitiveness. Organizations that prioritize measuring and developing strong English communication skills across their workforce will be better positioned to unlock the full potential of AI and thrive in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
