Soft Skills – The Key to Thriving in the Digital Age

As we continue to embrace digitization and new technologies, the global workforce is experiencing a significant shift in the demands and expectations for effective job performance. A recent report projects that by 2030, 35% of the skills necessary for effective performance will change, underscoring the importance of fostering soft skills alongside technical skills. With 20 years of experience in the professional development industry, we've seen firsthand the value and impact that soft skills can have on an organization.

Recognizing the mounting importance of soft skills in the digital age is essential for businesses, employment agencies, and government-funded programs. By focusing on the development of these skills, organizations can effectively address common employment and recruiting pain points and set themselves apart from their competitors.

Based on the article summary from Soft Skills: Essential in the Digital Age, 81,000 executives worldwide have identified the top 10 "must-have" soft skills. These skills are not easily automated or outsourced and can offer a competitive advantage for companies. A few key soft skills relevant to today's workforce include:

- Emotional intelligence
- Adaptability to change
- Collaboration and communication
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
- Responsiveness
- Personal development

The benefits of developing these soft skills extend to various stakeholders within an organization. For employers, cultivating a workforce with strong soft skills promotes collaborative problem-solving, leading to increased productivity and innovation. On the other hand, employees with well-developed soft skills are more likely to be adaptive, successful, and satisfied with their work.

Governments and organizations are already starting to recognize the potential of soft skills development. For instance, the European Commission has launched the Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition, while the UK government has rolled out its digital strategy. Additionally, the business coalition "Project Literacy," which includes companies such as Pearson, Microsoft, IKEA, and Tata, has called for the development of a circular economy to promote soft skills among the global workforce.

For organizations seeking support in soft skills development, Skills Council of Canada stands ready to help with thousands of soft skills courses across almost all topics. As a highly collaborative organization, we welcome partnerships to support your organization's soft skills development initiatives. To learn more, visit our website at www.skillscouncil.ca, email us at info@skillscouncil.ca, or start a chat here, and we will connect.

Skills Council of Canada is a social impact organization focused on Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). We provide content on soft skills, technical skills, vocational skills, and more, supporting all industries through a state-of-the-art skills management system powered by a global ecosystem of collaborative social impact organizations.