The covid-19 pandemic has changed the world of work. As job roles have changed and so has the working environment. Employees need to have a combination of domain skills, technical capabilities, digital skills and soft skills. In fact, soft skills and communication skills have become more important in the current working context.
In the beginning of the pandemic, companies had increasingly spent on up-skilling and re-skilling their workforce. While the usual domain and technical skills continued to be in focus, soft skills and digital skills became more important than ever. Here are some skill attributes that will continue to be in demand.
Digital skills take a front-row seat
Digital friendliness: The first move that many businesses did when the pandemic struck was to declare work-from-home. Employees were expected to work remotely and with businesses going online, the ability to use day-to-day technology thus became an essential life skill and continues to be a priority even now. This will be a key determining factor in a candidate's selection in the future too.
Control of new-age technologies: Companies are on the lookout for individuals who have the utmost knowledge in Cloud technologies, Machine learning, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Data Science, Predictive learning, Digital Marketing, etc. With work from home, as security risks increased, cyber security became a sought-after skill set.
Communication and soft skills are more important
Work-life integration: At a time when work and life boundaries are getting diminished, it is important to be able to manage time and maintain a balance between both roles in order to lead a healthy life. Employers are looking for candidates with a balanced Emotional Quotient (EQ).
Communication and social skills: With remote working, interactions have moved online. However, it becomes even more critical to understand how to communicate with others during this time. Soft skills are essential for survival, mental wellbeing, and growth. Interpersonal, intrapersonal, good communication and empathy are a few of the areas under social skills that will be in focus.
Skills to stay ahead of time
Ability to adapt, upgrade, and re-invent: As technology adoption increases, 50% of the employees will have to upskill by 2025, so the drive for continuous learning will be the key.
Critical thinking: This skill along with problem-solving will be most sought-after in the coming years. While domain and technical skills will have a dominant presence, niche skills, digital skills, and good soft skills are the emerging facets.
(The author is vice president NETAP TeamLease skill University)
From - The Times of India
Published on - 22 November 2021
