The need for various skills in the workplace is constantly shifting. Due to changing technologies and the rise of the virtual workplace, soft skills that support working remotely have grown in importance.
A new study from BusinessNameGenerator.com revealed that 71 percent of employees believe soft skills will be more or just as important in the future, DESPITE new technologies such as artificial intelligence leading the way forward for a large number of businesses.
The introduction of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) has catalyzed the shift in demand for specific skills, requiring employees to deepen their existing skill sets or acquire new ones. Soft skills are personal attributes and non-technical skills that describe how people work and interact with others.
After surveying 1000 employees across the United States, BusinessNameGenerator.com investigated how integrating new technologies will impact the companies they work at, the skills employees and businesses value, and how this is likely to change in the future.
Key takeaways:
- 48 percent of companies are looking to expand on existing skill sets.
- 84 percent of employees and managers believe new employees must possess soft skills and demonstrate this in the hiring process.
- 71 percent of employees believe soft skills will be more or just as important in the future.
- The most valuable soft skill for recruits is communication.
- The most valuable skill for advancing in your career is leadership.
Despite difficult economic times over the past few years, the study reveals that 70 percent of companies are actively looking to hire new employees. Companies demonstrated different reasons for growing their workforces, but over half of companies seek to increase their workforce to prepare for future growth (56 percent).
Furthermore, 34 percent of businesses are looking to bring digital skills into the team, and digital skills training is one of the most popular training offerings in U.S. companies, with over a third providing this. Over one in five companies also reported offering training in competencies such as AI proficiency and coding, as almost eight in 10 companies have plans to use AI technology at present or in the future.
Methodology:
From July 26 to 31, 2023, BusinessNameGenerator.com surveyed 1,015 U.S. employees across 12 industries, to find out their thoughts on soft skills in the workplace, and the training being provided to them. The survey was overseen by the Censuswide research team.
