Assessing the English Reading Habits of Employees in Professional Sectors

Abstract

This study investigates the English reading habits of employees working in various professional sectors, including education, business, healthcare, information technology, law, and public administration. As English increasingly serves as the global language of business and professional communication, understanding how employees engage with English texts is essential for improving workplace literacy and performance. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 150 employees through structured questionnaires and follow-up interviews to assess the frequency, types of reading materials, purposes, challenges, and strategies employed in English reading. The results indicate that a majority of professionals read English texts regularly, with frequent engagement reported especially in sectors such as IT and business. Commonly read materials include emails, reports, web-based articles, technical manuals, and academic journals, reflecting the diverse literacy demands of professional environments. Reading is primarily motivated by job-related tasks, professional development, and staying informed about industry trends. However, many respondents, particularly those with less experience, reported challenges such as difficulty understanding specialized vocabulary and complex sentence structures, leading to reliance on strategies like skimming, scanning, and dictionary use. Significant differences were observed across sectors and experience levels, underscoring the need for tailored English language support in the workplace. The findings highlight the critical role of English reading proficiency in professional success and suggest that organizations should invest in targeted language training programs to enhance employee reading skills, improve communication, and foster career growth in a globalized work context. This study contributes to the understanding of workplace English literacy and provides a foundation for developing effective language education policies in professional settings.