English skills have life-changing impact, are seen as the key to unlocking higher pay, wider job opportunities, and better friendships
- New Pearson study shows speakers of English as a second or additional language see mastery of English as vital for job prospects and to earn more money
- English proficiency seen as important to future-proof careers against AI
- Higher English proficiency leads to better job satisfaction and more confidence in all areas of life
London – 12 March 2024 - Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s leading learning company, has today released new research showing the life-changing impact English proficiency is having on people’s work and personal lives worldwide, as it proves crucial to higher pay, wider job opportunities and leading more fulfilling personal lives.
Pearson interviewed more than 5,000 speakers of English as a second or additional language from Japan, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Italy, and Florida (USA). Across all countries, 80 per cent of respondents believe English proficiency skills are directly linked to earning potential, viewing strong English language skills as leading to as much as an 80% salary increase.
Those with the highest English proficiency are more satisfied with their existing income and jobs. According to the research, three quarters (75%) of advanced English speakers are satisfied with their income, compared with less than half (47%) of beginner English speakers. Nearly 9 in 10 (88%) advanced speakers are satisfied with their job, but this number goes down to fewer than two thirds (64%) amongst beginners.
The study from Pearson also shows more than half (51%) of English learners think knowing the language will open up a wider range of job roles, while two fifths (40%) say English will help them climb the ladder to more senior positions in their field – a number which increases to 56% in Saudi Arabia, and to half (50%) in Brazil and Florida.
Gio Giovannelli, President of English Language Learning at Pearson said:
“This new research shows the importance of English in helping people lead more fulfilling lives both in and outside of the workplace. And yet, many people still struggle with a lack of confidence in their English proficiency, which is having an impact on their ability to perform daily tasks at work, to interact with others, and even to simply engage with the world around them, or on social media. With an AI-dominated future causing job uncertainty, the importance of English as a differentiating skill will only grow, which is why we’re encouraging people who want to learn English to act now and boost their skills fast with learning that’s personalised to their level.”
Futureproofing against AI
With AI knocking on the door, the research revealed many employees are uncertain about the future of their jobs. Almost 40% of survey respondents believe their job is likely to be replaced by AI within the next 5 years and just over 40% of respondents said they were learning English to help mitigate the impact of AI and technology on their jobs.
Lack of confidence in English proficiency, despite needing to use it frequently
Pearson found that, while 85% of people feel that English is critical for work and more than 60% use English on a weekly basis, only a quarter feel confident across all four skills of reading, listening, writing and speaking English in the workplace. Nearly three quarters (72%) went as far as to say their jobs would be easier if they knew better English, and only a quarter (27%) of respondents felt they could fully express themselves when using the language to do their jobs.
Employees want Employers to do more
The vast majority of employees (88%) think English language training is an important skill that should be offered by employers, but only a third said their employers offer this training. Clearly employers need to step up and consider how they can provide language learning for their workforce.
English as a skill for life; not just work
But it’s not just for job and income prospects where English skills are proving critical. Over three quarters (79%) of respondents said it’s an important skill in their personal lives, and 81% think it will be increasingly necessary in the future. Nearly half said that making progress in English has made them more confident across all areas of their life.
Indeed, motivators for wanting to learn English outside of work included: a desire to travel more (55%), to be able to watch TV, films and online content in English (50%) and to be able to read the English around them (48%). These were generally the same across all countries, but respondents from Saudi Arabia and Brazil also said it would help them with their future studies (49% and 51%), while respondents from Florida noted that English skills could help them access better services like healthcare and education (36%).
Making friends was also given as a key reason for learning English, with nearly a third (30%) listing it as a motivator and a fifth (20%) saying they already had more friends thanks to their English skills. It’s also boosting people’s social media prowess: a tenth (10%) of respondents said better use of English meant they had attracted more followers.
A shortfall in relevant English education
While English learning is widespread (8 in 10 learnt English in school, and two thirds had an English qualification), 54% felt their formal education failed to equip them with a good enough level of English to communicate properly. Over half (56%) said this was because their learning was focused on grammar and vocabulary, rather than using English in real-world situations. Half also say they hadn’t had enough opportunity to use English outside of the classroom.
Pearson commissioned the research to showcase its Global Scale of English (GSE) which fast-tracks learner progress and builds confidence by helping learners understand where they are on their journey, what they need to learn next and demonstrating progress on a regular basis. Through this research, Pearson wanted to understand people’s reasons for learning English, as well as their current confidence levels when using the language. The Global Scale of English focuses on the real-world skills needed for communication both at work and in personal lives.
For more information on Pearson and to improve your English skills with the GSE, please visit: https://www.pearson.com/languages/impact-of-english-research
ENDS
Media contact
Bhavya Suri: [email protected]
About the research
Pearson’s study of 5,000 speakers of English as a second or additional language was conducted by PSB Insights at the end of 2023 across Japan, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Italy and USA (Florida.)
All averages in this document exclude the Florida data.
Respondents were aged 18-64, who didn’t speak English as a first language, and were either: actively learning English, regularly using English at work, professionally motivated to learn English or believed English would make their job easier or improve their job prospects.
About Pearson
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c.18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's leading learning company, serving customers in c.200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. For more information, please visit www.pearsonplc.com.
About the Pearson Global Scale of English
Pearson’s Global Scale of English is an essential tool for accelerating English Language Learning. Designed to develop real-world speaking, writing, listening and reading skills, it enables you to accurately assess your current level, set personalised learning goals and track progress on a regular basis. Built on extensive global research, it goes beyond other language learning frameworks to provide detailed insights into proficiency and build confidence. It is a must-have for all serious English language learners.