Reasons for Evaluating Employees’ English Proficiency

Laura M. Romero

09/08/2023

The mastery of English has become a fundamental requirement for workplace success. Evaluating employees’ English proficiency plays a crucial role in the development and growth of companies. In this article, we will delve into why assessing employees’ English proficiency is essential and how this assessment can benefit both employees and organizations.

Reasons for Evaluating Employees' English Proficiency

1. Accurate understanding of skills and competencies

Evaluating English proficiency provides employers with a precise understanding of their employees’ actual skills and competencies in the four key language areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This information is essential for assigning appropriate roles and responsibilities based on individual language abilities.

Not everyone learns English the same way or internalizes competencies at the same level. This knowledge can affect decisions such as promoting one of our employees.

According to a Pearsonlatam blog article (2021), “… it is very important not to be swayed by absolute percentages — which don’t really reveal much — and to have, on one hand, a reliable English assessment system, and on the other, a good understanding of the type of English skills the vacancy demands.”

2. Identification of areas for improvement

Evaluating English proficiency also serves as a tool to identify specific areas in which employees may need improvement. Detecting these areas allows companies to design personalized training and development programs to elevate their employees’ English proficiency and, consequently, their job performance.

According to Questionpro, “An employee assessment is essential to determine if an employee’s skill set corresponds adequately with the job they perform.”

Therefore, to unlock the full potential of our employees, conducting an English proficiency test as part of performance evaluation becomes a fundamental requirement, especially in international companies or institutions.

3. Enhancement of communication

A strong command of English enhances internal communication among employees and communication with international clients and partners. Clear and effective communication contributes to the quality of work, decision-making, and customer satisfaction, establishing a solid foundation for business growth.

Speaking competency is practically the most demanded in job positions, yet one of the most challenging to learn. However, the required level varies depending on the position and profile each company demands. “In some cases, very specific oral communication skills are sufficient, for example, in technical support. In others, an expert conversationalist is required who can easily address business, political, and cultural topics” (Pearsonlatam, 2021).

4. Increase in productivity

Employees with an advanced level of English are capable of performing more varied and complex tasks that require the use of the language. This ability not only enhances efficiency and speed in task execution but also contributes to an overall increase in labor productivity.

Being prepared and having multidisciplinary skills has become a “must” for any professional in today’s world. Consequently, having professionals ready for the current job market – international, competitive, globalized, and ever-changing – adds value and reputation to a company. Therefore, the greater these skills are, you can be assured that productivity and talent development within your team will also be greater.

5. Promotion of personal and professional development

Evaluating English proficiency offers a valuable opportunity for employees’ personal and professional growth. By identifying their strengths and weaknesses in language mastery, employees can take steps to enhance their skills, resulting in broader career growth.

“Evaluating strengths and weaknesses is the first step in determining the type of training they need, allowing employees to acquire new skills, develop their abilities, and improve current performance” (Questionpro).

The backbone of an organization today should be based on the development and enhancement of its employees’ skills. Nurturing and empowering talent will always work in favor of a company’s productivity and reputation.

In conclusion, evaluating employees’ English proficiency is not just about measuring language skills; it’s a crucial step towards excellence in the current work environment. From skill identification to personal development promotion, English evaluation has a positive impact on communication, productivity, and organizational growth. By investing in evaluating and improving employees’ English proficiency, companies are positioning themselves for a brighter and more competitive work future.