Three different studies by Deloitte, BNG, and LinkedIn's Global Talent Trends found that advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies are driving demand for soft skills such as empathy and critical thinking, which AI cannot yet match.
According to Indeed.com, soft talents are character qualities, interpersonal, or non-technical skills that can assist individuals get recruited and flourish in the workplace.
The study assumes that as technology advances quickly, the demand for diverse skill sets in the workplace shifts proportionally.
Social, emotional, and communicative abilities are especially in high demand among recruiting managers.
The Deloitte report indicates
According to a Deloitte Insights report, 92% of organizations place a higher value on human characteristics or soft skills in today's business landscape.
These soft skills are viewed as critical for success in today's employment market because they facilitate remote work and supplement the presence of AI.
These "durable" abilities, such as empathy, teamwork, and adaptability, are thought critical and can be detected through body language and demeanor during job interviews.
As a result, Deloitte projects that by 2030, soft-skill intensive occupations would account for two-thirds of all jobs, with growth rates 2.5 times those of other occupations.
In a poll conducted by Business Name Generator (BNG), 1,015 U.S. employees from 12 industries were asked about their perceptions on workplace soft skills and training opportunities.
It discovered that the advent of new technologies such as AI has increased the demand for specific abilities, encouraging people to expand their present skill sets or integrate new ones.
The workforce believes it is critical for employees to have different skill sets, with 84% emphasizing the value of soft skills, particularly during the hiring process.
Notably, 90% of respondents from organizations with more than 500 employees emphasized the importance of soft skills.
According to the poll, 48% of organizations strive to expand their present skill sets.
71% of employees believe soft skills will become more or equally important in the future.
Communication is the most important soft skill for recruits (25%), followed by problem solving (21%), and time management (19%).
Leadership is regarded as the most important talent for job growth.
Despite economic troubles, 70% of businesses are actively looking for new employees, with more than half hoping to plan for future expansion. Furthermore, 34% of organizations want to improve digital abilities among their employees, with digital skills training being a popular option. More than one-fifth of organizations offer training in skills such as AI and coding.
The study concluded that advances in AI and other technologies are increasing demand for soft skills like empathy and critical thinking, which AI cannot yet match.
LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends Report
These findings are consistent with prior estimates, including LinkedIn's Global Talent Trends Report, which stressed the growing importance of soft skills in today's business world.
What this means for Nigeria's workforce.
As hiring managers in Nigeria and other emerging markets do not want to miss out on global recruitment trends, these reports are expected to have substantial ramifications for Nigerian job seekers.
Currently, recruiting managers emphasize the importance of soft skills. For example, Nairametrics reported on the findings and focus group discussions conducted by the Jobberman and MasterCard Foundation partnership project, which revealed that 97% of surveyed alumni found the soft skills training to be highly relevant, indicating that these skills are perfectly aligned with the needs of today's job seekers.
Furthermore, the development of the global village, characterized by technology advancements and smooth cross-border contact, has brought soft skills to the forefront. The ability to collaborate across cultures, communicate effectively, and adapt to a constantly changing environment has become not only useful, but also vital.
Furthermore, with the increasing rate of talent export, as seen by Nigerian youths seeking jobs abroad both remotely and onshore, it is critical that these soft skills be understood and exercised.