THE IMPORTANCE OF SOFT SKILLS IN THE WORKPLACE

Employees are looking to become indispensable to future employers and employers are looking for employees with the skills to collaborate, innovate and drive success.

According to a Forbes.com article on “The Top 10 Most In-Demand Skills For The Next 10 Years”, it’s not just technical skills which employees need to cultivate – soft skills are essential for success in the workforce, “We will need to cultivate critical soft skills so we can do the things machines can’t, says Bernard Marr, author of “Future Skills: The 20 Skills and Competencies Everyone Needs to Succeed in a Digital World”.

Soft skills complement technical skills and are increasingly recognised as essential for career success. Employees who possess a well-rounded combination of both technical and soft skills are likely to thrive in diverse work environments and adapt to evolving industry demands.

Understanding Soft Skills

Soft skills or human-centered skills, encompass a broad range of personal attributes, including communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, creativity, and time management. These skills are often intangible and difficult to quantify but play a crucial role in how individuals interact with colleagues, clients, and projects.

The Value of Soft Skills

The advantages of soft skills in the professional setting are incredibly versatile, benefiting all facets of business. When contemplating the soft skills that will be valuable for employees to achieve success in the workplace, consider exploring the following essential soft skills:

• Adaptability to Change: The ability to quickly adjust to change, handle setbacks, and bounce back from adversity is essential. Individuals with well-honed soft skills and emotional intelligence can navigate change with resilience and a positive attitude. Additionally, employees who are adept at technology, digital literacy and data fluency, and remain open to learning new digital tools and platforms as the technology landscape continues to advance, stand to gain significant advantages in the workplace.
• Client and Customer Relationships: Soft skills are vital when interacting with clients and customers. The ability to empathise, actively listen, and address concerns can lead to greater client satisfaction and long-lasting relationships.
• Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication, including active listening, is vital for collaboration, problem-solving, and conveying ideas.
• Conflict Resolution and Productivity: Workplace conflicts are inevitable, but employees with high emotional intelligence can handle disagreements constructively, preserving relationships and maintaining focus on productivity.
• Cultural Awareness and Inclusivity: In diverse workplaces, understanding and respecting different cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds is essential.
• Effective Leadership: Strong leaders are those who not only possess technical expertise but also the ability to motivate, inspire, influence, and understand their team members’ needs.
• Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions and effectively navigating interpersonal relationships is essential to drive team success.
• Enhanced Collaboration and Teamwork: Soft skills are the backbone of effective collaboration. Employees who excel in communication, empathy, and conflict resolution foster a positive team environment, leading to improved problem-solving and creativity. Employees should be able to analyse complex situations, think creatively, and find innovative solutions to challenges. .
• Time Management and Organisation: Efficiently managing time, setting priorities, and staying organised can improve productivity and reduce stress.

Elevate your team’s performance and create a culture of collaboration and innovation with DeakinCo.’s comprehensive soft skills programs. Get in touch to discover how you can empower your employees to excel in today’s dynamic workplace.