The ROI of Business English: How Better Communication Boosts Your Salary

Strong communication isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a revenue generator. Companies worldwide reward employees who articulate ideas clearly and build trust with clients. Improving your business English can deliver a tangible return on investment (ROI) by unlocking promotions, bonuses and leadership opportunities.

How communication affects earnings

Employers promote people who lead projects, represent teams and close deals. Clear speakers gain trust faster and handle negotiations better. Recruitment studies show that managers with strong English communication skills earn up to 20 percent more than equally skilled peers who lack them. According to a survey by Hays, 70 percent of executives say language barriers delay or derail deals.

Case study: From manager to director

Juan, a software manager, improved his English through targeted coaching. After three months he was able to present complex technical ideas to non‑technical stakeholders, lead cross‑border meetings and write persuasive proposals. Within six months he was promoted to director. His salary increased by 25 percent because he could represent his team globally.

Investing in yourself

Consider the potential ROI: if a course costs R10,000 and helps you earn R50,000 more through a promotion or new job, that’s a 5× return. Skills include:

• Leadership communication

• Negotiation language

• Presentation skills

• Confidence and clarity in meetings

• Professional email writing

Calculating your own ROI for Business English

To estimate your personal return, compare the cost of training with potential salary gains.

1. Estimate the salary increase or bonus you could earn with improved communication. Use salary survey data from recruitment firms or ask peers in similar roles.

2. Subtract the cost of your course from the salary increase.

3. Divide the result by the cost to get your ROI multiple. For example, a R20,000 increase on a R5,000 course is a 3× return. This simple calculation shows how language skills pay for themselves.

Check out our Master Business English Guide for a structured roadmap and our Business Skills 2025 post for the specific abilities employers want next year. Combining these resources will help you maximise your investment.

How HillEd maximises your ROI

HillEd’s Business English programs are tailored to adult professionals. We provide data‑driven lessons, industry vocabulary, leadership coaching and real‑world practice. Our students report higher salaries, new job offers and more confidence after completing the programme. Ready to invest in your future? Contact us for a free consultation.