Keeping up with a dynamic workplace is not an easy task. We are at the fourth industrial revolution as the current technological developments are changing the way we work in dramatic ways. These developments require workers to keep abreast with the latest trends in the industry, forcing us to think innovatively and bringing more creativity to the forefront. These days the skills in demand are soft skills or interpersonal skills. Soft skill is as important as having new computer skills such as coding. The labor market is going through a tremendous change and employers seek for employees that possess the following skills:
Critical thinking
An individual who is able to form an unbiased and rational opinion based on analysis of facts and logic is highly valued in the current work scenario. The onslaught of the age of social media where fake news and loud opinions are omnipresent, critical thinking of the individual comes handy to distinguish fact from fiction. Having the ability to form an opinion by gathering and analytical reasoning and developing new ways of understanding is critical to a workplace.
People management
Leadership is a skill that only humans can possess. It is therefore crucial that employers hire individuals that have people management skills, which include the ability to solve problems, make critical decisions, think actively and also be supportive or assertive to their colleagues as and when required. People management skills demonstrate the ability of an individual to be responsible, take initiative and display maturity in a challenging work environment.
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Emotional intelligence
In the workplace, working with Emotional intelligence (EQ) holds precedence over standard intelligence (IQ). Emotional intelligence is described as the ability to relate to self management and self awareness. An individual with high EQ is easier to get along with and can easily overcome any changes in the work environment.
Some qualities that high EQ employees display are:
- Self motivation
- People management skills
- Work-life balance
- Non-perfectionism
- Empathy
- Open to learning new things
- Attention to details
- Self awareness
- Futuristic
- Optimistic
Creativity
The creativity of an individual plays a major role in the organization and allows them to take risks and be willing to try something new. Innovative ideas allow individuals to explore their creative sides and come up with more solutions to any given situation. Creative employees can find ways to do the same boring everyday tasks in a new way thus generating interest amongst colleagues as well as clients.
Judgment and decision-making
Good judgment and decision-making is a crucial aspect of running a successful organization. In spite of technological advancements, humans and their decision-making skills are an irreplaceable aspect of any organization. Making ethical, thoughtful and appropriate decisions in the workplace increases the value of an employee and makes them an asset to the organization. Employers will always choose to hire employees who are responsible decision makers who are able to incorporate values and morals as well as analytical reasoning into their decisions.
Complex problem solving
A dynamic work environment often demands complex problem solving skills and is being considered a high value asset by employers. Complex problem solving does not only focus on the solution but also on the process of figuring it out. Thus, it is a sought-after skill by many employers and comes in handy when dealing with the various challenges and problems in day to day work.
Coordinating with the team
The coronavirus pandemic has pushed companies to downsize their staffing capacity. This has led to a decrease in the hierarchy as compared to the past. Smaller teams are doing the work that was once done at a larger scale and this requires planning and coordination. Thus, the ability to coordinate with the team is a high skill in demand that employers seek in their prospective employees. Having the ability to set goals with others and ensuring that those goals are met cooperatively is essential. The current work scenario also puts focus on working with a largely diverse population of people, be it colleagues or clients, making it even more crucial to be able to coordinate effectively with them.
Cognitive flexibility
Being responsible for their own learning and development is a great ability that employers seek in their potential employees. With a dynamic work environment, companies are hunting for employees who are willing to make the extra effort to learn new skills. It is also essential for employees to be able to unlearn skills that are no longer relevant and keep updating themselves with the current technological trends.
These are some of the top skills in demand for the future in any workplace. While all the aforementioned soft skills are essential, one must not forget to focus on their hard skills. With technology becoming as prominent in all areas of business, it goes without saying that employees need to focus on their hard skills. A few examples of hard tech skills are coding, social media, data entry, data analysis, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, scheduling and project management, and database management.
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In the current pandemic situation, it is essential to be able to communicate via email and video chat. This will also be useful in the near future where remote working will be more prominent than ever. Identifying technical as well as soft skills that employers seek in employees and learning them will help individuals obtain the best possible opportunities.
References:
- “The Skills Companies Need Most in 2020—And How to Learn Them” by Deanna Lazzaroni on January 13, 2020
- “The 10 Most In-Demand Career and Business Skills for 2020” by Ayodeji Awosika on April 17, 2020
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