What do you think sets you apart in the workplace? Many people think that their technical skills are what determines job success, but according to the National Soft Skills Association, 85% of job success depends on soft skills. Unfortunately, employers feel only 31% of entry-level employees have the necessary soft skills to succeed.
Are soft skills truly that important? In this article, we’ll discuss what soft skills are and why they are important in the workplace.
What are soft skills?
As our world is becoming more automated, employers are searching for people who possess soft skills like creativity, communication, listening, and teamwork. Soft skills are our personal qualities that determine how we relate to others and the world around us. They’re often called “people skills” or “emotional intelligence.” Soft skills affect how well you work with management, colleagues, and customers. Unlike technical skills that are specific to a certain job or industry, soft skills can make a big difference in your career success in any field.
Why are soft skills important in the workplace?
Soft skills are important for the success of any business, but they’re also important for individual employees as well. The following are five reasons why soft skills are important within the workplace.
- Soft skills can’t be automated: Artificial intelligence is becoming more and more common in the workplace. Though AI tools are useful for automating the technical side of an organization, people skills are something that can’t be managed by machines. Companies are paying closer attention to employees and applicants who have high emotional intelligence.
- Improve personal relationships: You come in contact with so many people throughout your working career, from team members to management, shareholders, and clients. The way that these people interact with you is determined by your soft skills. They help you build strong interpersonal workplace relationships and motivate you to work well with those around you.
- Help develop leadership skills: A leader must be emotionally intelligent. If you want to progress in your profession, you have to develop soft skills. An employee with impressive soft skills is likely to be promoted over someone with more work experience but lacks people skills.
- Customers demand soft skills: Anyone who works directly with customers understands that soft skills are essential for job success. It isn’t enough to have the knowledge of your job if you aren’t able to relate well to your clients. Organizations need people who can attract, relate to, and retain customers through their excellent customer service.
- Complementary to hard skills: The modern workplace places greater priority on employee well-being, interpersonal relationships, and a positive workplace culture. Although your technical skills are important and are necessary to advance your career, having soft skills will help you to stand out and improve your performance at work.
Final Thoughts
Did you know that art can enhance certain soft skills? Art evokes a deep and personal reaction from us. It inspires us to think outside the box, improves the energy in the workplace, and enhances soft skills like creativity and open-mindedness. Mindshaping Art isn’t only concerned with decorating your office space’s walls but, most importantly, motivating the employees to create a more positive workplace.
Deborah Ruth
Reshaping Today’s Workplaces
