Why Soft Skills Matter More Than IQ for Employers
As technology, such as generative AI, is transforming the workplace, there is no doubt that being at the forefront of technical competitiveness will not only help you stay in the job for a long time but also build a thriving career. And with this logic, firms should primarily focus on hiring professionals who possess specialized knowledge and genuinely feel a sense of purpose in their role. However, the turning point here, according to research, is that many companies are not seeking foundational skills such as communication, team building, and critical thinking. Why?
This is because soft skills have become the utmost important part of any job role and those employees who excel in these areas can adapt to any type of work environment. In fact, many companies are investing in soft skills development through various online programs or courses to enhance engagement, productivity, and retention. By doing this, employees also feel valued and supported in their growth.
So, through this blog, let’s explore why soft skills are in high demand.
Table Of Content
Why Are Soft Skills Important?
How to Develop Soft Skills
Wrapping Up
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are Soft Skills Important?
As mentioned above, job markets are changing every day, and to stand out, technical expertise alone is not going to help you out. These days, employers are equally focused on hiring candidates by looking beyond degrees. They are looking for someone who possesses strong communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability skills. This is because these soft skills make a candidate more productive in business.
So, why are soft skills important, and how can you develop them to stay ahead? Let’s explore.
1. Automation, AI, & digital disruption cannot replace soft skills
With quick technological advancements in AI, many technical tasks that once required human intervention are now being handled by machines. But one can also not overlook the fact that no machines can function like humans and replicate the ability to communicate effectively with clients, stakeholders, or teams.
For example, a financial analyst may be dependent on AI tools to arrange or manage data, but it will require strong analytical thinking or communication skills to present data insights to higher executives to make an informed decision.
The benefits of soft skills show that no matter how advanced we become in technology, soft skills cannot be replaced.
2. The Great Resignation places the onus on employees to nurture soft skills
Let’s talk about the Great Resignation first. It is an ongoing trend that is commonly seen in which employees resign from their jobs. What does it show? As a result, leaders will almost certainly need to revisit their approach to retention, starting with how to create a better employee experience (EX) and focusing on how to keep top talent engaged.
According to Forrester research, it has been observed that employee experience will always be central to HR strategies. The one proven way to improve loyalty is upskilling, and according to LinkedIn, 94% of employees would remain with an employer that actively invests in their own growth and wellness. As soft skills are becoming central to career success, employees now more and more want the opportunity to learn and strengthen these capabilities within the organisation.
3. Soft Skills Are Crucial for Remote & Hybrid Work
Prior to the pandemic, we had hardly heard of our hybrid or remote work culture. But this culture became permanent after covid-19 pandemic, and today there are still many companies offering hybrid and remote work opportunities. The benefits of soft skills also highlighted the importance of soft skills such as empathy, adaptability, and, of course, excellent communication skills. Without these, many teams struggle to adapt to this work culture, and ultimately, they suffer in their jobs.
4. Adaptability and Resilience for Career Longevity
Job roles are evolving, industries are transforming, and entire business models are shifting. Change offers challenges but also opportunities. The one sure thing about work in a dynamic environment is that those who adapt will thrive—those who are willing to change, are willing to learn, and who look for the positive, even in change, are the way forward.
An example was the sudden transition to remote working. Employees who adapted easily to remote working, in terms of digital tools, virtual meetings, and online project management, also adapted more easily to remote work and, as such, were developing future work skills, while others were unable to adapt or simply struggled to keep up. The learning point? Adaptability and a willingness to learn skills are not just a way to survive; it is a competitive differentiator.
5. Emotional Intelligence to Build Strong Relationships
Workplace success is based on more than just skills, emotions are extremely important. The ability to manage your own feelings while recognizing the feelings of others makes all the difference. That’s where emotional intelligence (EQ) comes into play. Not only does EQ allow you to have difficult conversations, but it will also help you provide feedback that inspires rather than discourages.
EQ also lends itself to leading with empathy and collaboration, creating trust to further inspire hard work and results. Imagine a project manager who is inherently calm and supportive under pressure. This project manager would gain the respect and loyalty of people, and the outcomes would follow. The main point of this scenario is that great leaders do not manage tasks, rather, they use empathy and connection to engage and inspire people.
How to Develop Soft Skills
Soft skills are not something that can be learned in a night. They demand continuous learning, effort, and practice. So, here are some of the quick tips that will help you with “how to improve soft skills” for today’s job market:
- Be an Active Listener: When you want to improve your soft skills, make sure you are good at listening. Thus, focus on understanding others before you respond.
- Always be Ready to Take Feedback: This is another important tip that can help you grow. When you can’t take criticism, you can not work on yourself. Thus, take constructive criticism positively and work on it.
- Work on Public Speaking: You can take various online courses that can help you boost confidence.
- Practice Emotional Intelligence: Make sure to work on your emotional intelligence, as staying mindful is of utmost importance in the corporate world, especially during challenges at work or on projects.
Wrapping Up
Now you know that soft skills are no longer just about having skills, but today they are essential for career success. In fact, investing in building your soft skills through various online certification courses not only boosts your confidence but also makes you more employable.
So, are you ready to develop for a workforce set by today’s employers? Check out our online courses available at Jaro Education and witness the positive impact on your career’s success.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several reasons that show why soft skills matter for companies, including better communication that helps an employee to express their ideas clearly in every role, from tech to management. Team Success: Projects require collaboration, and team members with good interpersonal skills can keep things running smoothly.
Your soft skills can determine the success of your social interactions, the timeliness of your work, and your ability to mediate conflicts on behalf of your employer to build a great reputation.
Compared to hard skills, soft skills are less tangible, making them difficult (but not impossible) to measure, assess, or quantify. “Inventories and questionnaires don’t really capture these attributes with any great precision,” says Frazer. Soft skills are usually innate. But that’s not to say they cannot be learned.
Multitasking is considered one of the top soft skills that is linked to performance, development, and career success. Handles multiple tasks simultaneously with ease.
