A recent study by EF Education First (EF), a global provider of culturally immersive education, indicates a worldwide decline in English proficiency over the past four years. The EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) is the largest international survey of English skills by countries, capital cities, and regions, published annually since 2011.
The Decline of English Proficiency
English has long been the dominant language of business, science, and technology, with over 1.5 billion speakers worldwide. As a result, focus on improving English proficiency has been strong around the world for decades. However, the EF EPI has revealed a shift since 2020, with English levels in 2024 falling back to where they were in 2011 after a period of steady improvement prior to the pandemic. More concerning still, the 18-20 age group has been losing ground steadily since 2015 – an important trend for those looking to hire recent graduates.
Regionally, the lack of momentum is evident. Asia’s EF EPI score has declined significantly since 2020, while Europe and Latin America have plateaued after a decade of gains. English proficiency is stable or falling in large countries which had previously announced their ambitions to improve such as India, China, Mexico and Brazil. Even countries with large tourism industries like Spain or Costa Rica are no longer building English proficiency.
How Businesses Can Adapt
For businesses relying on offshore labor, declining English proficiency presents challenges. However, there are strategies to overcome these obstacles:
- Stick with Global English Hubs – While English proficiency is declining, it remains a common language in many countries. India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Indonesia, and the Philippines have large English-speaking populations. Emerging hubs like Romania, South Africa, and Malaysia also offer skilled labor with strong English skills.
- Shift Language Priorities – Not all roles require perfect fluency. Businesses can prioritize functional communication over high-level fluency, especially for technical roles like software development and data science. A skilled employee with basic English and strong professional abilities can still be highly valuable.
- Leverage AI Translation Tools – Advancements in AI-driven translation tools, such as Google Translate, DeepL, and ChatGPT, make communication easier. These tools facilitate real-time translation, breaking down language barriers and enabling smooth collaboration.
The Role of Offshore Recruitment Agencies
Using a reputable offshore recruitment agency can simplify hiring. These agencies specialize in vetting candidates, ensuring they meet English proficiency standards through in-depth interviews and standardized tests like the EF SET, used to create the EF EPI. They also assess professional skills, helping businesses find employees who not only communicate effectively but also excel in their roles. By working with experts in offshore hiring, companies can reduce risks, improve efficiency, and ensure a strong match between job requirements and candidate capabilities.
A Future Beyond English?
While English remains the most widely spoken language, the focus on improving proficiency seems to be waning. Businesses must adapt by embracing multilingual talent, using AI-driven communication tools, and working with reliable hiring partners. With strategic adjustments, companies can continue thriving in an evolving linguistic landscape.
Discover the latest trends and insights—explore the Business Insights Journal for up-to-date strategies and industry breakthroughs!
