From understanding to expression: Preparing a workforce ready to communicate

For employers operating across borders, clear communication in English has become an increasingly important part of workforce readiness.

The 2025 TOEIC® Speaking and Writing Report on Test Takers Worldwide shows that learners are moving beyond foundational language knowledge and strengthening the speaking and writing skills needed to collaborate, share ideas and communicate effectively in professional settings.

A global pipeline preparing for communication

The 2025 data shows that many learners are committing to English development before they fully enter the workforce.

76% of speaking test takers have studied English for more than six years
Many are students or early-career professionals, still building experience in English-speaking workplaces

This data suggests a growing pipeline of candidates preparing for international and English-speaking work environments. English is becoming part of long-term career preparation rather than something developed for an immediate role.

The rise of speaking and writing as core skills

Listening and reading remain important foundations, but the 2025 report shows that learners are placing greater emphasis on speaking and writing skills.

More than one-third of speaking test takers say they focus on developing all four language skills.

This broader approach is linked to stronger communication performance:

Test takers who emphasize all four skills achieve among the highest speaking scores (mean ≈132)
Writing scores are also strong among learners developing multiple skills (mean ≈158)

The findings suggest that in addition to comprehension skills, learners are developing the ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively in the workplace.

Communication skills are not one-dimensional

The report also highlights that speaking and writing skills support different aspects of workplace communication.

While the two skills are connected, the moderate correlation between speaking and writing scores confirms they each measure different communication strengths.

This reflects the range of communication skills many employers now expect. In many workplaces, employees are expected to:

Present and articulate ideas in conversations and meetings
Communicate clearly across written channels
Adapt communication style across audiences, roles and cultures

This reinforces the importance of developing well-rounded communication skills rather than focusing too heavily on one area.

Direct link to employability and career growth

The 2025 data shows the role English communication skills continue to play in hiring and career development.

56% of speaking test takers take the test for job application purposes
48% of writing test takers do the same
Many writing test takers are already working professionals (59%), with a growing share in management roles. At the same time: Students are developing communication skills to enter the workforce
Professionals are strengthening those skills to advance within it

For employers, communication ability is increasingly linked not only to recruitment, but also to progression and long-term workforce development.

A stable shift toward workforce-aligned skills

One consistent theme across the 2025 data is the continued focus on practical communication skills.

Across regions and demographics, learners report:

Long-term investment in English development
A growing focus on speaking and writing alongside listening and reading
Learning goals that are closely connected to workplace communication needs

Taken together, the findings suggest that learners increasingly view English as a professional skill that supports employability and career growth in international work environments.

What this means for organizations and educators

For employers, educators and institutions, the findings reinforce the importance of developing communication skills that can be applied confidently in workplace settings.

Areas of focus might include:

Developing all four language skills together – supporting speaking and writing alongside listening and reading
Using assessments aligned to workplace communication needs – measuring how effectively learners communicate, not just what they understand
Creating opportunities for practical language use – enabling communication practice in realistic professional and collaborative environments

Final thought

The 2025 data suggests that learners increasingly view English as a skill that supports workplace communication and collaboration, not simply an academic subject.

Organizations and institutions are also placing greater emphasis on communication that can be applied confidently in meetings, presentations, collaboration and written communication.

As more learners prepare for international and English-speaking workplaces, clear communication skills will continue to play an important role in workforce readiness and career development.