The most in demand skill? Being human
The demand for ‘soft skills’ is on the up
The world is overflowing with technology and automation has replaced many manual or repetitive roles across all industries. With the modern workplace becoming more digitalised and with artificial Intelligence promising so much, it raises the question of what skills and knowledge will be needed and valued in the future. It turns out what employers’ value most is our social and emotional skills.
Uniquely human skills
A recent survey[i] revealed soft skills, such as listening skills, are most in demand by employers (74 percent), while quantitative skills and computer and technical skills were less so (47 percent and 50 percent, respectively).
According to the survey the top skills today’s employers are looking for in candidates include:
Listening Skills
74%
Attention to Detail
70%
Effective Communication
69%
Critical Thinking
67%
Interpersonal Skills
65%
Active Learning
65%
As the survey results show, employers aren't looking for the same level of deep knowledge and technical skill as they did in the past. The nature of work is evolving, which is partly why we have a skills gap. Manufacturing and factory jobs that once powered the economy have largely been automated. However, soft skills such as networking, building relationships and collaborating with others are the skills that automation or artificial intelligence just can’t replicate.
The power to relate
In the future emotional intelligence will take on new significance. As our use of technology expands, our human skills of compassion, empathy and the ability to relate to our colleagues will be the competitive edge in the workplace, not only for individuals but for entire organisations.
Unlock the PotentIal in your Workforce
Helping people, teams, organisations with soft skills is what we do.
It turns out that the most in demand skill needed in the future is the one thing humans are uniquely suited to master. Forward thinking employers should seize the opportunity to unlock the potential within their workforce and benefit from improved organisational effectiveness and collaboration.