Workplace requirements change over time. There are some attributes that employers always value, and some gain importance, either imperceptibly or in a very obvious manner; for example, the rise of blockchain has resulted in the demand for skilled and informed employee with a specific skillset topped by soft skills.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to employers valuing employees who can work from home with little supervision and can be depended upon to do the job.
Let us take a look at the ten skills that are in demand in the workplace.
This is an evergreen skill; the scope and nature of work associated with this ability changes with the space and industry where it is applied. However, no company wants to let go of a manager, higher up or low down, who has demonstrable problem-solving skills. Managers who can take charge of the situation and tackle challenges will always have an advantage in every job interview. Recruiters love to ask about situations where a job applicant was able to pinpoint a problem and troubleshoot to settle the issue.
Employees with a creative streak and the ability to come up with out-of-the-box solutions often save their employers time and money. Analytical skills combined with the skill to innovate and improvise a solution in quick time can improve the efficiency of a team, enable timely completion of projects. Recruits who show such promise can move up the hierarchy quicker; a company understands that its growth is linked with the professional growth of those can help businesses achieve their objectives. These skills find application in daily activities through data interpretation, pattern detection, idea generation, and informed decision making.
Interpersonal skills feature high in any list of employability skills. These highly desirable skills encompass a number of behavioral attributes that employers are always looking out for. Empathy with fellow employees, particularly a senior with the ability to empathize with a junior’s situation, allows for the smooth working of an organization. Patience, respect, sensitivity, sympathy are other examples of interpersonal skills that every recruiter assesses a candidate for.
Organizations that can stay on the cutting edge of evolving technologies or even managerial practices will invariably do better than their competitors. It is the human capital of a company that makes this possible through a willingness to learn and incorporate new ideas. Employees who can take the initiative to learn new skills and upgrade existing ones can utilize the learning for all round benefits, and most certainly their own. An aptitude for learning indicates that the employee is willing to put in extra effort, step outside one’s comfort zone, and do what it takes to keep abreast of industry trends.
In every hierarchy in a workplace setting, seniors are expected to lead. Employers try to identify leaders early and groom them so that they may contribute more effectively. Leaders mentor, guide, inspire, and coach others. Their influence can spread wider than their immediate environs. Powerful ideas propounded by leaders can spread through an organization and even beyond through social media. Leadership skills boost a brand’s image and earn it business.
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In any department in a business or industry, be it the shop floor, sales, marketing, HR, or purchase, there is no escaping technology. The right choice of technology and its timely implementation can simplify procedures and have a direct positive influence on a company’s bottom line. It depends directly on managerial comfort with monitoring and controlling technology.
Monthly targets, clients demanding deliveries, project deadlines, year-end closings, a slow market…these are just some of the situations that will invariably occur in a workplace. Employees who can maintain their equanimity and poise during trying situations are likelier to be more productive and contribute towards achieving the objective. Employers want to hire those who actually revel under pressure situations and can get the best out of their fellow employees as well.
Also known as EQ, emotional intelligence is to use one’s emotions to achieve positive outcomes. At a workplace, a person who can harness EQ effectively is better equipped to deal with stress, communicate coherently, delegate tasks effectively, follow deadlines, manage conflict and stay aware of the surroundings. EQ has a direct influence on one’s physical and mental wellbeing, and thus the ability to perform at work.
Team players can contribute wherever they go. They are welcome because they add to the synergy of the effort, they have a positive multiplier effect. Team players are often multitaskers and happy to contribute in whichever capacity they’re asked to. This is a highly appreciated attribute because it keeps things moving as everyone’s pulling in the same direction. Even when working remotely or from home, employees are often a part of a team and they are expected to do their part on time, otherwise avoidable costs may have to be incurred.
Self awareness is the key to growth, and self-aware employees know their strengths and weaknesses. They also know their worth. They are likelier to respond to positive stimuli from their environment in the form of projects, programs, skill upgrade sessions, etc. Investing in such employees ensures a rich payback for the employer. Employees who seek feedback on their work and then act upon the feedback improve with time. Their desire to overcome shortcomings, track progress, and implement deadlines helps them grow professionally and personally. Self awareness is a worthwhile life skill that pays rich dividends when utilized at the workplace. Employers and recruiters prefer self aware employees.
Given that we work in far more diverse workplace settings than a decade ago, we need to inculcate as many of the above-mentioned soft skills as possible. Employees who can demonstrate results on the strength of these skills will always be in demand in 2021 and beyond.
