Recruiting experts have long stressed the value of looking at soft skills when considering hiring job candidates and when managing workers, but even more so these days. The way we work is constantly changing, with a trend toward remote work and revolutions in technology, consumer preferences, and business models. These changes, especially the trend toward remote work, have been especially dramatic within the last several months with the coronavirus in our world.
According to an article by CPA Practice Advisor, a large study of 8,000 employees, managers, and executives was recently conducted by the Adecco Group which identified several post pandemic trends that have emerged that impact the workplace. The study found that employees continue to seek flexible work conditions, such as working at home, redesigned offices, and a better work/life balance that excludes a commute to work. The length of the work week is being reconsidered, with a focus more on productivity than on the usual 9 to 5 Monday through Friday work week. Leaders feel that employee’s mental well-being during the pandemic has been difficult to assess and manage, while workers express the desire for more well-being support from their managers. Workers desire more skill training and support for digital and remote work. Most employees trust their employers to support them in future crises, and in return, they expect that trust to be reciprocated.
These changes in the workplace and the uncertainty that accompany the current workplace environment have put a sharp focus on the strength of a worker’s soft skills. The types of skills that are always valuable but especially needed in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic and needed in a remote working world can be categorized into five skill sets.
Adaptability, flexibility, and resilience: This group of skills is especially important during COVID-19. A worker needs to be open and able to deal with frequent changes in work priorities and work conditions, such as adapting to working from home, managing time well, and shifting to new lines of business. A person with this skill set will be able to look at problems from a different perspective and reach out to others when plans go awry.
Communication, collaboration, relationship management, and empathy: Good communication is the positive thread that goes through all work. The ability to communicate effectively with all kinds of people and provide friendly yet assertive directions is highly valued.
Emotional maturity, self-control, and emotional intelligence: This skill set involves exhibiting self-control, especially during a crisis. A person with these skills is organized, does not panic, is not overly emotional, and makes rational decisions. Her or she communicates effectively, clearly, calmly, and in a timely manner. This worker is good at managing time, boundaries, and his or her own mental wellness.
Technology proficiency, creativity and innovation: The new remote work environment requires enhanced problem-solving skills and thinking outside the box. A worker needs to be able to find a solution for things like relocating production, rethinking the supply chain and managing big projects remotely. Keeping employees up to date with technology training is needed.
Professionalism: The way a worker manages himself or herself and treats others during pressure situations says a lot about his or her character. Professionalism is demonstrated on a day-to-day basis. A professional person is dependable, follows instructions, and has a strong work ethic. Evidence comes from people who have worked with them in the past.
Measuring Soft Skills
Soft skills are important to measure but difficult to measure before an employee starts the job. Although they may be stated on the resume they can really only be revealed through a combination of automated assessments, behavioral interviews (via face to face or video), references from people who have worked with the job candidate in the past and to a certain degree through AI (artificial intelligence) interviews. Role play with the candidate by asking questions using hypothetical situations. Also, ask the candidate to provide examples of past experiences so that they can demonstrate how they used the above skills. Professionalism, which is demonstrated on a day-to-day basis, can be assessed through references.
Employers Need Soft Skills Too
Soft skills should be a two-way street in that they provide on-the-job employee satisfaction and enhance employee well-being. Employers who are trusted, adaptable and empathic like their employees, especially during these uncertain times, will find that their workers to be less stressed, more loyal, motivated, productive and appreciated.