New research reveals a significant gap in vital ‘soft skills’ among young people entering the UK workforce, leading to decreased employee engagement and adaptability.
- A study commissioned by Inspiring Learning surveyed 2,000 individuals, including 590 employers, highlighting a deficit in communication and resilience.
- Employers overwhelmingly favor ‘soft skills’ like teamwork and communication over technical skills, illustrating a growing concern.
- A substantial proportion of Gen Z lacks in key areas such as communication, resilience, and problem-solving, impacting workplace efficiency.
- The absence of early soft skills education and workplace support perpetuates this issue, according to industry experts.
Recent findings from a study commissioned by Inspiring Learning have brought to light a worrying deficit in ‘soft skills’ among young people entering the workforce in the UK. The study, encompassing data from 2,000 participants including 590 employers, indicates that this skills gap is hindering employee engagement and adaptability within organizations. Experts stress the need for these skills, such as communication and resilience, to be prioritized over technical abilities by employers, a trend clearly depicted by the study’s results.
Employers across the UK have expressed a strong preference for ‘soft skills’ when considering new entrants into the workforce. The study reveals that attributes like teamwork are valued at 55%, and communication at 52%, in stark contrast to technical skills such as computer proficiency, which are deemed significant by only 26% of those surveyed. This preference highlights the critical role that soft skills play in a rapidly evolving professional environment, where adaptability and interpersonal skills are indispensable.
The study further outlines that the Gen Z demographic, particularly those aged 18 to 25, are notably deficient in essential soft skills. A notable proportion of these young workers lack communication skills (37%), resilience (28%), and problem-solving abilities (27%). This shortfall is evidenced by their hesitance to engage in direct communication—such as making phone calls—with 24% of young workers avoiding this traditional method of communication entirely. Interestingly, 6% of those aged 16-24 would prefer to communicate using emojis, reflecting a shift in communication preferences that could impact workplace dynamics.
The persistence of this soft skills gap is partly attributed to a lack of educational emphasis during childhood, with almost half (43%) of respondents admitting they were not taught these skills at an early age. Compounding this issue is the absence of workplace initiatives, as over a quarter of British employees report receiving no support in developing these crucial skills. Furthermore, nearly half do not participate in external training or team-building exercises, which could otherwise foster these capabilities.
Industry leaders are vocal about addressing this concern, with Alex Williamson, CEO of Inspiring Learning, articulating the urgency for action. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and problem-solving as foundational skills for future career success, urging for educational and organizational support in these areas. Williamson remarks that instructing young individuals to ‘toughen up’ is ineffective; instead, proactive nurturing of soft skills is vital to prepare them for an unpredictable future.
Additionally, the looming threat of AI replacing jobs adds to the importance of soft skills in ensuring a future-proof workforce. Soft skills promote effective human-AI interaction and innovation. Dr. John Allan from Sheffield Hallam University supports this view, advocating for the benefits of outdoor adventure learning, which significantly boosts soft skills like resilience and adaptability, crucial for professional success.
The urgent need for enhanced soft skills education and development is clear, as they are pivotal for both immediate workplace success and long-term career resilience.
