English proficiency becomes key skill for global corporate teams

Employers across worldwide corporations are increasingly measuring English proficiency as a concrete job competency. A March 2026 TOEIC Global English Skills Report released by Educational Testing Service (ETS) surveyed more than 1,300 senior HR managers in 17 countries. The study found that 90% of respondents consider English ability critical to their companies’ success, while 92% say its importance has grown compared to five years ago. Moreover, 86% believe firms lacking enough English‑proficient staff face a competitive disadvantage, and 83% warn that hiring candidates without the required language level can raise costs in productivity, employee engagement, and retention.

Cowboy English founder Samuel Vegares stresses that real‑world communication – explaining viewpoints in meetings, answering questions in presentations, and negotiating across borders – is essential. He argues that language training should focus on practical scenarios, personalized feedback, and speaking practice that translate knowledge into professional skill. The report highlights the relevance of English in sectors such as technology, finance, sales, consulting, and cross‑border supply chains, indicating a shift from self‑rated proficiency to performance‑based assessments in hiring, training, and promotion decisions.