New research highlights a concerning gap in soft skills among young people entering the UK workforce, impacting communication, resilience, and problem-solving.
- Employers are significantly prioritising soft skills over hard skills, with nearly double the emphasis on teamwork and communication compared to technical abilities.
- The communication shortfall is evident, particularly among Gen Z, with many avoiding phone communication and, alarmingly, some preferring exclusive emoji use.
- Lack of formal education and employer support in soft skill development is exacerbating the problem, with many young workers feeling unprepared.
- Soft skills are critical, not only for current jobs but also for future careers, particularly in an AI-dominated landscape.
Recent research commissioned by Inspiring Learning reveals a critical deficiency in ‘soft skills’ such as communication, resilience, and adaptability among young individuals transitioning into the UK workforce. A survey involving 2,000 participants, including 590 employers, indicates a significant negative impact on workplaces across the nation due to this skills gap.
Soft skills such as teamwork (55%) and communication (52%) are valued immensely by employers, almost twice as much as hard skills like computer proficiency (26%). This prioritisation reflects the essential role these skills play in organisational success.
A substantial communication gap is noted among the 18-25 age group, commonly referred to as Gen Z. Employers report that over a third of their Gen Z employees lack effective communication skills (37%), with resilience (28%) and problem-solving abilities (27%) also notably absent. This gap in communication critically affects essential office skills, with a notable percentage of young people expressing aversion to phone calls, opting instead for alternative communication methods.
This problem is further compounded by a lack of early education and workplace training in soft skills. Almost half of the participants (43%) reported not being taught these skills during their formative years, and over a quarter (27%) of workers lack support for skill development even after entering the workforce.
According to Alex Williamson, CEO of Inspiring Learning, “These findings underscore a critical gap in workplace skill development. However, telling young people to ‘toughen up’ won’t get us anywhere. We need to prioritise the development of soft skills like resilience and problem-solving, and give them the tools to thrive in this uncertain world.”
The apprehension regarding the future is compounded by the advent of AI, with 16% of Gen Z concerned about potential job displacement. Nevertheless, soft skills such as empathy, creativity, and collaboration are essential for effective human-AI interaction and future-proofing the workforce.
An emphasis on attributes like having a positive outlook, teamwork, and risk-taking is seen as necessary for survival and success in life. Dr John Allan of Sheffield Hallam University reinforces the necessity of outdoor adventure learning to build resilience and other soft skills among youth.
To gauge the extent of this skills deficiency, Inspiring Learning has introduced a ‘softie test’ to help individuals assess their soft skills and identify areas requiring improvement.
Bridging the soft skills gap is essential for equipping young workers with the tools necessary for both current and future job markets.
