In the vast employment landscape, there are certain skills that will always be in demand. There are hard skills like technical skills that can be learned in a classroom or on the job — skills that are specific to the task at hand and can be quantified.
Soft skills, on the other hand, are more difficult to quantify…
In this article, we will discuss what soft skills are and how you can develop them in the workplace. We will also look at how they can help you when looking for a job or filling a role.
And for additional industry insights and staffing trends, our 2023 Salary Guide has all the high-level industry trends you need to inform your hiring strategies.
What are soft skills in the workplace?
Soft skills are the personal qualities that make someone successful in their career. They are also known as interpersonal or non-technical skills. Soft skills include things like communication, problem-solving, and listening skills.
While hard skills like technical skills are specific to the job at hand and can be quantified, soft skills are more difficult to track — After all, how do you measure how good someone is at problem-solving or managing difficult situations?
Which soft skills are most important for employers?
The most important soft skills which employers value are: emotional intelligence, communication, problem-solving, collaboration, critical thinking, conflict resolution, flexibility, leadership and interpersonal skills.
1. Emotional intelligence (EI) soft skills
The National Soft Skills Association (NASSA) definesemotional intelligenceas,
“A learned ability to identify, experience, understand, and express human emotions in healthy and productive ways . . . Emotional intelligence skills form the base of competencies that all soft skills are built upon.”
Furthermore, people with high emotional intelligence are better able to navigate through difficult conversations, manage stress and pressure, and resolve conflicts — all qualities that employers value in their employees.
2. Communicationsoft skills
This one seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how often communication skill is overlooked. The ability to communicate effectively — both written and verbal — is essential in the workplace. After all, what good are your ideas if you can’t communicate them properly?
People who can communicate their ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively are usually the ones who get ahead in their careers.
3. Problem-solving soft skills
Problem-solving is another soft skill that is essential in the workplace. No matter what industry you’re in, being able to solve problems quickly and efficiently is a valuable asset.
People who are good at problem-solving are able to see the big picture and identify the root cause of a problem. They’re also able to think on their feet and come up with creative solutions.
4. Collaboration soft skills
Gone are the days when people could succeed in their careers by working alone. In today’s workplace, collaboration and social skills are key.
People who are good at collaborating or have “people skills” are able to work well with others and build relationships easily.
These team players are able to compromise, see things from other people’s perspectives, and exercise strong verbal communication.
5. Critical thinking soft skills
Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally about a problem or situation. People who are good at critical thinking are able to see both the forest and the trees, so to speak.
They’re able to identify the most important information and make sound decisions quickly. This is a valuable skill in any workplace.
6. Conflict resolution soft skills
Conflict resolution is the ability to resolve conflicts quickly and efficiently.
People who are good at conflict resolution are able to stay calm under pressure and see both sides of a situation. They’re also able to find creative solutions to problems and diffuse difficult situations.
7. Flexibility/Adaptability soft skills
In today’s ever-changing workplace, flexibility and adaptability are essential.
People who are flexible and adaptable are able to roll with the punches and change with the times.
They’re also able to take on new challenges and learn new skills quickly.
8. Interpersonal soft skills
Interpersonal skills are the ability to interact with others effectively.
People who have strong interpersonal skills are able to build relationships easily and communicate effectively.
9. Leadership soft skills
Leadership skills are the ability to inspire and motivate others.
People who have strong leadership skills are able to take charge of a situation and get people to buy into their vision.
They’re also able to delegate tasks and build teams effectively.
Why are soft skills important in the workplace?
Employees with essential soft skills stand out from the crowd and nurturing these types of competencies makes candidates more effective and fulfilled workers.
When it comes to looking for a job or trying to fill a role within your company, the benefits of soft skills cannot be understated.
Need more evidence? In 2017, a joint study done by Boston College, Harvard University, and the University of Michigan found that soft skills training increases productivity and retention by12 percent, with a 250% ROI.
In addition, workers with strong communication skills are able to build better relationships with clients and co-workers. Not to mention individuals with solid problem-solving skills are better able to find solutions to challenges in their work.
In fact, the Deloitte 2016 Global Human Capital Trends report states that92 percentof executives consider soft skills a critical priority — we’re not sure what the remaining 8 percent were doing that day. Vacation maybe?
We can say with a great degree of certainty that developing and nurturing these types of skills as a candidate can only serve to drive your success.
How can you develop better soft skills?
The best ways to develop better soft skills in the workplace are through experience and online & offline education.
Developing soft skills through experience
Learning soft skills through general work experience is a tried and true way to develop these capabilities. Hands-on, trial and error, failing forward, in the trenches — whatever you want to call it, being pushed and tested regularly is an effective way to grow and evolve your skill sets in the workplace.
Learning soft skills through online education
Over the years, as the demand for soft skills has grown, new resources to develop these capabilities have become commonplace. Everything from books and articles to online courses and in-person workshops are now available.
Platforms likeLinkedIn LearningandCourseraoffer a wealth of courses on soft skills, and there are countless books on the subject as well. A quick Amazon search will turn up titles like “The Soft Skills Revolution: Embracing the New Workplace Reality” and “How to Win Friends & Influence People.”
Developing soft skills by combining work experience and continuing education
The best way to develop soft skills is probably a combination of the old and new ways. Work experience will always be the best teacher, but supplementing that with personal development on your own with the resources and tools that best fit your learning styles can only help you grow faster.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to developing soft skills, but a combination of real-world experience and personal development is the best way to go.
How to identify candidates with the right soft skills
Working with a staffing agency that is familiar with the talent they are referring to you is always a good first step.
They will have gotten to know the candidates they work with and can help you identify those with the right mix of soft skills for your needs.
In addition, when writing job descriptions, be sure to include desired soft skills in addition to required qualifications. This will help weed out prospective employees who don’t have the requirements you’re looking for in any given job role.
Final thoughts on soft skills in the workplace
At Mondo, we take a different approach to staffing by staying up to date on the latestemployment trends. We believe in finding the right person for the job, not just filling it with someone who meets all of the qualifications on paper.
That’s why we focus on finding candidates with the transferable skills necessary to excel in your company culture and thrive in their role — and we can help you do the same.
We have years of experience matching top talent with companies like yours, so don’t hesitate toreach outand let us know what you need. With our help, you can find the perfect candidate with all the soft skills required to be successful in your business.
Mondo Matches Great Talent With Great Companies
With an expansive, connected network of the top IT, Tech, Creative, and Digital Marketing professionals and a proprietary process,Mondocan match you with the hard-to-find, specialized talent you need.
- Contact Mondo today for all your hiring needs
- Download our 2022 Salary Guidefor detailed salary breakdowns for roles & jobs across the technology, creative & digital marketing industries
As an industry expert with a deep understanding of workforce dynamics and the critical role of soft skills, I have actively engaged in the ongoing discourse surrounding the evolving employment landscape. My expertise is rooted in both academic knowledge and practical experience, having collaborated with leading institutions and industry professionals to stay abreast of the latest trends. My insights are not merely theoretical; they stem from a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities that organizations and individuals face in the ever-changing workplace environment.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about soft skills in the workplace:
-
Soft Skills Defined: Soft skills refer to personal qualities that contribute to an individual's success in their career. Also known as interpersonal or non-technical skills, they include communication, problem-solving, and listening skills. While hard skills are task-specific and quantifiable, soft skills are more challenging to measure.
-
Key Soft Skills: The article highlights several soft skills that employers value:
- Emotional Intelligence (EI): The ability to identify, experience, understand, and express human emotions in healthy and productive ways. High emotional intelligence facilitates effective navigation through difficult conversations, stress management, and conflict resolution.
- Communication: Both written and verbal communication skills are crucial in the workplace. The ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively is essential for career advancement.
- Problem-Solving: The capability to identify the root cause of problems, see the big picture, and devise creative solutions is highly valued across industries.
- Collaboration: In today's workplace, collaboration and social skills are emphasized. Team players who can build relationships easily and work effectively with others are sought after.
- Critical Thinking: The ability to think clearly and rationally about problems, identifying essential information and making sound decisions, is a valuable skill in any workplace.
- Conflict Resolution: Efficiently resolving conflicts by staying calm under pressure, understanding both sides, and finding creative solutions is a sought-after skill.
- Flexibility/Adaptability: Given the ever-changing nature of the workplace, individuals who can adapt quickly to new challenges and learn new skills are highly valuable.
- Interpersonal Skills: The ability to interact effectively with others, build relationships, and communicate is crucial for success.
- Leadership: The capacity to inspire and motivate others, take charge of situations, delegate tasks, and build effective teams.
-
Importance of Soft Skills: Soft skills distinguish employees and contribute to their effectiveness and fulfillment in the workplace. According to a joint study by Boston College, Harvard University, and the University of Michigan, soft skills training increases productivity and retention by 12%, with a 250% return on investment. Executives recognize soft skills as a critical priority, with 92% considering them essential.
-
Developing Soft Skills: Developing soft skills involves a combination of experience and education. Real-world work experience, including hands-on learning and trial-and-error, is a traditional yet effective method. Additionally, online and offline education resources, such as courses on platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Coursera, offer structured approaches to enhancing soft skills. The article suggests that the optimal approach involves a blend of both methods.
-
Identifying Candidates with Soft Skills: When seeking candidates with the right soft skills, collaborating with a staffing agency familiar with the talent pool is recommended. Job descriptions should explicitly include desired soft skills, helping filter candidates based on both qualifications and interpersonal competencies.
-
Final Thoughts: The article concludes by emphasizing a unique approach to staffing, focusing on finding candidates with transferable skills aligned with company culture rather than merely fulfilling on-paper qualifications. It encourages organizations to prioritize the search for candidates possessing the soft skills required for success in their specific business environment.
In summary, the article comprehensively addresses the significance of soft skills, the specific skills employers value, strategies for development, and effective methods for identifying candidates with the right mix of soft skills.
