The Increasing Importance of Soft Skills

As workplaces evolve, the importance of soft skills cannot be overstated, particularly in the context of the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Soft skills, such as communication and leadership, have become crucial as more people work remotely and engagement in work declines. Employers are looking for individuals who possess these soft skills, as they are seen as essential for building relationships, longevity in a job, and potential for moving into management roles. Management, communication, and customer service are identified as the top three in-demand job skills for 2023, according to LinkedIn. Soft skills, including being “energetic,” are highly valued by employers, as they help combat disengagement among the workforce. As automation plays a larger role in many jobs, workers will need to focus more on soft skills, particularly as roles shift toward strategy. Soft skills can be observed and measured, and employers place greater emphasis on assessing them. To bridge potential skill gaps, some employers provide training in areas like communication and professional conduct. The ability to demonstrate strong, soft skills not only makes individuals more employable now but also future-proofs their employability as technology like AI becomes more prevalent in the workplace.