New Data Shows How Workforce English Programs Drive Retention, Productivity and Advancement
EnGen’s 2025 Workforce Report reveals career-aligned English training drives stronger talent pipelines, strengthens communication, and improves career mobility across sectors
WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 21, 2025 — Today, EnGen, a comprehensive workforce development solution focused on career-aligned English instruction, released their 2025 workforce report highlighting the transformative impact of an innovative approach to English instruction, called English upskilling, on workforce performance, retention, and readiness. This report reflects responses from over 6,000 adult English learners—more than double the previous year’s response rate— highlighting the benefits of English upskilling across industries ranging from healthcare to retail to hospitality and more.
“Too often, English learners are overlooked in workforce strategies – not because they lack talent or potential, but because English is treated as a prerequisite rather than a foundational part of onboarding and training programs. . The data proves that English upskilling isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have,” said Dr. Katie Brown, founder and chief education officer at EnGen. “If organizations are serious about building stronger teams and improving retention then investing in English instruction should be at the top of their recruitment and talent development strategies.”
Currently, one in ten U.S. working-age adults is an English learner, a segment of the workforce that holds in-demand credentials and professional experience but is largely untapped due to language barriers. EnGen’s AI-powered solution provides on-demand, career-aligned English instruction, live classes, workshops, and coaching that workers can access from their smartphones or tablets—an approach that’s being adopted by employers of all sectors and sizes.
“Language learning unlocks new opportunities at Amazon. Strong language skills are key to success across our organization, which is why we’re proud to offer EnGen’s English language learning program through Amazon Career Choice,” said Tammy Thieman, director, Amazon Career Choice. “Employees who have participated report increased confidence using English at work, transitioning into new roles, and accessing new career opportunities. By equipping our employees with essential career skills, we’re helping create pathways to even greater possibilities.”
Key findings from the 2025 workforce report include:
English upskilling improves employee recruitment and retention.
84% of workers said they’re more likely to stay with their employer because English instruction is offered as an employee benefit.
English upskilling drives customer experience and operational efficiency.
94% of workers said they felt more confident using English at work and beyond
English upskilling mitigates critical skills gaps.
90% of workers improved their digital skills as a result of English upskilling.
English upskilling supports a culture of learning and development.
75% of workers agree that a flexible online model helped them more than a traditional classroom approach.
English upskilling fosters potential at work and at home.
83% of workers achieved a social goal like community engagement and helping their family as a result of English upskilling.
“We collaborate with dozens of partners, from Fortune 500 companies and national coalitions to regional employers and workforce development boards, to improve access to the essential and technical skills necessary to ensure a thriving talent pipeline,” said Earl Buford, president of CAEL (the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning), which partners with EnGen to provide English upskilling to a growing network of employers. “Investing in English skills is an effective but often overlooked workforce development strategy, empowering workers and delivering measurable value to both employers and communities.”
The report found that 86% of workers said they’ll refer someone to their company because English instruction is offered as an employee benefit, and 79% said they had already achieved a career goal such as a raise or promotion. One learner shared, “I started as a picker six years ago. Last year I got a promotion to seasonal supervisor, and this year I became a full-time supervisor. I love it.” This mirrors trends seen across sectors, where English upskilling is directly tied to increased retention and internal advancement.
To read the full 2025 Workforce Report and learn more, visit: https://getengen.com/impact-2025
ABOUT ENGEN
EnGen offers an at-scale, AI-powered approach to English instruction, designed to solve a systemic access issue: Adult English learners now represent 1 in 10 working-age adults, yet the U.S. serves the needs of just 4% of these speakers of other languages. A Certified B Corporation, EnGen partners with employers, adult educators, workforce development and state governments to open pathways to careers and credentials in high-demand industries. EnGen’s career-aligned approach addresses employers’ recruitment and retention challenges and advances learners’ economic mobility.