According to McKinsey and Company, technology is rapidly changing the future of learning and work. Hard, technical skills of all types, as a result, have a shorter and shorter “shelf life.” Soft skills are a distinguishing characteristic of success in a more and more complex world. Read more from the Future of Learning and Earning Report:

Read Full Article

the-skills-revolution-and-the-future-of-learning-and-earning-report-fDownload

According to Forbes.com and the WEF “Future of Jobs Report,” 60% of workers will need technical skill retraining in the next four years. Those with “intangible” soft skills like persistence, self-confidence, and self-discipline are the most capable of adapting with a rapidly-changing world of work. Learn more from the Future of Jobs Report:

Read Full Article

WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2023Download

Recent research suggests that soft skills and certain personality traits may predict success in life (in things like labor market success, overall educational achievement, crime, health) better than secondary credentials such as the GED. Programs that enhance soft skills have an important place in education in general.

Read Full Article

NBER-white-paperDownload

According to America Succeeds, the pandemic is highlighting and emphasizing “durable” soft skills:

Read Full Article

AmericaSucceeds-DurableSkills-NationalFactSheet-2021Download

In the Seattle Jobs Initiative’s recent survey on the importance of soft skills, 75% of employers say soft skills are as important or more important than technical skills in entry-level employment. National surveys of employers paint a similar picture, and research on predicting the future career success of students supports employers’ opinions: some soft skills are better than technical skills as a predictor of adult success (in things like salary, graduation, and home ownership).

Read Full Article

seattle-jobs-initiative-white-paperDownload

Did you know that 46 percent of new hires fail in the first 18 months and 89 percent of them failed for reasons related to “attitude”? Only 11 percent failed due to a lack of “hard” technical skills. In most jobs, effective work performance requires specific technical skills. But what about non-technical skills, such as an employee’s ability to communicate, form relationships, and prioritize tasks? These soft skills are often marginalized in education and training programs. However, they are just as crucial to business success as the more recognized “hard skills.” Seventy-seven percent of employers say so. More from Business News Daily

McDonald’s backs soft skills. Based on a recent study, McDonald’s estimates that as of January 2015, soft skills such as listening and communicating effectively, being positive, managing conflict, accepting responsibility, working well with others, managing time, and accepting criticism are “worth over £88 billion in ‘Gross Value Added’ to the UK economy.” This amounts to around 6.5% of the economy as a whole.”

Read Full Article

The-Value-of-Soft-Skills-to-the-UK-EconomyDownload