What are soft skills & why to consider their impact on your business?
Studies trumpeting the benefits of investing in soft skills, have been well documented for over a hundred years. This research highlights the importance of soft skills in successful organisations, individual careers and in the translation of technical expertise. The result of this being more productive outcomes.
A recent study conducted by Deloitte Access Economics for DeakinCo. states that:
‘Soft skill-intensive occupations will account for two-thirds of all jobs by 2030’
However, being aware of their importance and committing to invest in developing improved capabilities are two different concepts. Before most organisations (and individuals) will invest in developing improved soft-skill capabilities, their value needs to be fully understood or demonstrated.
Soft skills fall into six interlinked sets of competencies
Communication skills
Effective listening
Accurate, concise, pleasant, professional verbal & written communication
Asking good questions
Ability to present
Decision-making/ Problem solving skills
Identify, analyse & think abstractly about problems
Take effective, appropriate action to create innovative solutions
Transfer knowledge between situations & realise the effect of decisions made
Engage in life-long learning
Self-management skills
Self-starting supported by efficient work habits
Well-developed ethics & commitment to adhere to them
Working well under pressure & a sense of urgency to complete tasks
Dedication to continuing professional development
Teamwork skills
Productive as a team member & maintains accountability to the team
Positive & encouraging attitude, with awareness of & sensitivity to diversity
Punctual, meets deadlines
Works with multiple approaches & can shares ideas with multiple audiences
Professionalism skills
Effective relationships with customers, stakeholders & the public
Accepts feedback & direction in the workplace
Maintains appropriate decorum & demeanour
Selects appropriate mentors & sources of advice
Leadership skills
Sees the 'big picture' & thinks strategically
Builds professional relationships: respects & acknowledges contributions from others
Recognises when to lead, when to follow & when to motivate others
Effective conflict resolution & contributes to positive change
Why invest in soft skills for yourself and your teams?
Generally speaking, in team dynamics, soft skills create better teamwork, efficiency, and productivity. They empower employees to collaborate and work together to collectively meet company goals and objectives. In turn, this leads to improved efficiency and heightened productivity.
Soft skills, often associated with emotional intelligence, are essential for navigating complex workplace dynamics and building stronger relationships. They enable employees to resolve conflicts, manage change, and provide exceptional customer service, all of which enhance your company’s reputation and internal culture.
From an organisational perspective, one of the most significant advantages of developing soft skills is improved employee retention. Research from 2023 suggests that the time it takes for new employees to become fully productive can range between 3 to 8 months, depending on the complexity of the role and the effectiveness of the onboarding process. A well-structured approach, especially one that focuses on developing soft skills alongside technical training, can significantly reduce this ramp-up period. By investing in your team’s soft skills, you’ll not only accelerate time-to-proficiency but also improve employee satisfaction, retention, and overall productivity.
Employee retention is just the beginning
Focusing on soft skills also leads to:
- Reduced recruitment and training costs
- Higher morale and job satisfaction
- Increased opportunities to up-skill and re-skill
- Stronger relationships with clients and stakeholders
- A more positive and collaborative corporate culture
- Higher productivity and revenue
- Enhanced customer experience
In summary, soft skills are a powerful driver of both individual and organisational success. Investing in them will not only strengthen your team but also position your business for long-term growth and stability.
Ready to cultivate these essential skills in your team? Contact us at Offload NOW today to discuss tailored programs designed to seamlessly integrate learning into your business’s day-to-day operations. We’re here to help your team thrive.