You may tick many of the boxes to meet the technical requirements of a position, but at the workplace evolves and becomes more digital, soft skills have become more important.
According to Deloitte, 90% of organisations are redesigning roles and teams. Many businesses are adjusting their operations to embrace remote work and other hybrid workplace models. As jobseekers look to make transitions, they will be looking to put to use the transferrable people-oriented capabilities they have picked up along the way.
The working environment is being transformed for soft skills to thrive. Candidates will be marketing themselves and their soft skills to employers in 2024 and beyond. So, which soft skills do you need to achieve career growth in the digital age?
The introduction of remote working and autonomous working environments has meant self-management will be one of the most in-demand soft skills in 2024. Candidates who are able to take ownership of their tasks, and time management, who also have a passion to learn – will be able to flourish in the work environment. Also knowing how to manage your workload, will reduce the impact of stress and burnout.
Communication skills are not only about how we speak to others, but also having the ability to observe effectively. Candidates must not only be articulate, but they should also be able to anticipate unproductive patterns and behaviors. Candidates with strong communication abilities are able to find solutions to problems before they become a crisis; being proactive rather than reactive.
We’ve seen how sudden changes can affect a business; and businesses are no strangers to making rapid changes. Having a workforce that can adjust to sudden changes, will be very handy to an employer. It’s even more important now, to have employees who can take on different tasks, and show a willingness to help out with other responsibilities that lay aside of their expertise, if needed.
Interpersonal skills is essentially having “people skills”. Your success in the work environment will not just depend on your technical strengths; but also being able to build and maintain relationships. When working in a team especially, being tolerant and respecting others’ opinions, and being able to receive constructive criticism are all very important. These qualities are central towards building a team with a strong foundation.
This soft skill is vital to the progress you make in your career – it comes down to you. Whilst you may have a manager you communicate with regularly, they will not want to spend their time micromanaging you. This has been especially apparent during recent times when companies have adopted the “work from home” culture.
Being punctual, meeting deadlines, and maintaining effective communication are things you will be expected to do. The last thing any employer wants is to find that their employees are unreliable. By going out of your way to commit extra responsibilities will show your dedication to your work.
The importance of soft skills in the workplace is becoming increasingly important. Building a positive working culture is the first step to ensuring positive productivity levels by a workforce. Hard skills can always be developed in the long run, but your journey toward sustained career growth lies in your ability to master soft skills.