English language skills in the workplace

English at Work: global analysis of language skills in the workplace

In collaboration with QS, we present the first global overview of English language skills at work. Our findings are based on data from over 5,300 employers in 38 countries/territories, along with insights from Cambridge English experts.

Our English at Work survey shows the global importance of English, with over two thirds of employers saying that English is important for their business. Analysis of responses from these employers showed:

in every industry, there is a gap between the English language skills required at work and the English skills that employees have
around half of all employers offer a better starting package to applicants with good English language skills, which can also lead to faster progression through job grades and higher salary increases (in countries and territories where English is not an official language).

As a multinational company we have businesses around the world. Employees with a good standard of English can connect and communicate with each other effectively, since everyone speaks the same common language.

Chloe Gan
HR Director
Arvato Systems, Malaysia

Explore English at Work

Discover what this survey means for your country, company size and sector with our interactive website. Explore key topics, compare countries that took part in the survey, and register to download our free report, which looks at our findings for English language skills at work.

English at Work: explore our survey

Using Cambridge English qualifications and tests

Cambridge English qualifications and tests can be used to support recruitment, development and training at your organisation.

Learn more here