EF Corporate Learning | Webinar: Why communication skills will define the next era of global workforce resilience

On-demand

Why communication skills will define the next era of global workforce resilience

Insights from the 2025 EF English Proficiency Index Report

Tuesday 25th November 2025

Live webinar now on-demand

Key takeaways

1. Communication goes beyond speaking the same language or using the right tools, and requires a level of mindfulness around geographic and even generational cultural difference.

2. The role of training and constant dialogue is vital - cultural and AI literacy will make a huge difference to how effectively AI tools are used in communication, as well as how the implementation of such tools at an organizational level will be received by employees.

3. Context is king - AI is everywhere, but business leaders need to make sure that the right tools are being used for productive and positive outcomes.

4. The human element of communication and managing teams must remain at the forefront. HR leaders are also responsible for ensuring that the use of AI tools does not become too transactional by focusing only on efficiency, not enough on well-being.

Video chapters

[00:00] Welcome and introductions

[06:29] Defining resilience in the face of global uncertainty

[13:12] English proficiency today and implications for multinationals

[22:28] How Randstad and Vivo are addressing skills gaps

[30:04] Global team alignment in times of change

[44:20] Q&A: English proficiency, inclusion, and employee well-being

Key takeaways

1. Shifting language proficiency trends pose new resilience challenges. Younger generations now entering the workforce often have lower English proficiency, creating potential alignment challenges for global teams.

2. ‘Soft’ skills should be reframed as performance critical. In the face of rapid digital and AI-driven change, strong communication skills are essential to ensure technical expertise can be applied effectively in practice.

3. Peer learning supports resilience in times of change. Leaders across sectors face similar pressures, from globalization to the pace of change. Peer exchange helps surface practical solutions and accelerate adaptation.

4. Inclusive hiring strengthens resilience, with the right strategy. Removing English proficiency requirements at the hiring stage can diversify talent pipelines, but must be backed by scalable upskilling to ensure long-term capability.

Our speakers

This webinar, featuring leaders in learning and development from the world’s top organizations, will explore how companies can close communication gaps in their workforce to build more resilient teams.

Dr. Christopher McCormick

Chief Academic Officer, EF Corporate Learning

Christopher is an international education specialist with over 30 years of experience helping professionals develop global competence through trust, cultural sensitivity, and communication skills. He has designed and delivered learning initiatives for organizations across a wide range of sectors. His work draws on a global career spanning academic leadership, executive roles, and life in more than a dozen countries.

Renate Deken

Global Head of Skills & Development, Randstad NV

As Global Head of Skills & Development, Renate leads the strategy and execution of learning and growth initiatives for Randstad's 44,000 employees worldwide. She brings extensive international experience in staffing, digital transformation and leadership development. Renate is deeply interested in the future of work and how to solve strategic challenges related to human behavior and adaptation within organizations. Her work is centered on building a culture of continuous development through her expertise in large-scale change programs and pioneering innovation in learning and leadership.

Ana Cecilia do Valle Simões

Director of Talent Management and Cultural Transformation, Vivo Telefônica Brasil

With over 18 years of experience in Human Resources, Ana Cecilia has worked across a range of organizations with a strong focus on corporate learning and organizational development. Her expertise spans leadership development, coaching and mentoring programs, early talent and high-potential development, as well as performance management, succession planning, and talent strategy. She also brings deep experience in executive and early-career recruitment, and as an HR Business Partner.

Discover the EF English Proficiency Index 2025