Advancement in AI is Catalyzing a Shift in Demand For Soft Skills – Study

A recent study by Forbes has revealed that advancements in new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) have catalyzed a shift in the demand for soft skills.

As technology rapidly evolves, hiring managers say that soft skills such as emotional, Social, and communicative skills, have grown in demand, which are essential for the success of today’s job market.

In an earlier study by Deloitte Insights, it reported that 92% of companies noted soft skills have become more essential than hard skills in today’s business world. As soft skills such as collaboration, adaptability, and empathy continue to grow, experts say they have become durable skills just like playing a musical instrument.

Also, BusinessNameGenerator (BNG), conducted a survey on 1,000 employees and employers across the U.S. to uncover the changing demand for soft skills in the workplace.

BNG noted that the need for various skills in the workplace is constantly shifting, due to emerging technologies and the rise of the virtual workplace, which have spurred the high demand for soft skills.

Here are the Key Takeaways From the BNG Survey

• 48% of companies are looking to expand on existing skill sets.
• 84% of managers believe new employees must possess soft skills and demonstrate this in the hiring process.
• 71% 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 one’ career is leadership.

While businesses are looking to hire employees proficient with digital skills into their workforce, they emphasize the importance for employees to have a varied skill set and not just focus only on the digital.

More specifically, 84% of surveyed managers believe new employees must possess soft skills and demonstrate this in the hiring process. This figure was reportedly the highest in companies with over 500 employees, with 90% saying that soft skills were the most important.

BNG also highlighted the top reasons why employers believe it is important for employees to possess soft skills. They are as follows;

1.) Soft skills are essential for success in the workplace and can make or break a hiring decision.

2.) Soft skills are essential for career development.

3.) Soft skills help differentiate candidates with similar experience and education.

4.) Soft skills indicate how well someone will fit in with the organization.

The consensus also varied across industries, with industries like IT, finance, and education seeing a much greater need for soft skills than travel and hospitality.

As AI technologies become more prevalent in various industries, there is a growing recognition of the need for human workers to complement the capabilities of AI systems with uniquely human qualities. Employers believe that individuals who possess a diverse set of soft skills will be well-positioned to thrive in the future of work.