Communication is the most in-demand soft skill, says LinkedIn report
As AI tools free up time for professionals to excel in tasks that only humans can do, such as build relationships and collaborate with others, LinkedIn’s latest Workplace Learning Report has revealed that ‘communication’ is the most in-demand workplace soft skill, and communication manager roles are on the rise.
According to the report, 95% of learning and development professionals in ANZ believe that human skills are increasingly becoming the most competitive in the economy – and soft skills are increasingly in demand.
“Investing in people’s growth is no longer a perk but a strategic imperative, considering that our workforce is the driving force behind companies’ success in an era being shaped by AI,” said Adam Gregory, senior director ANZ at LinkedIn Talent and Learning Solutions.
“In the past year, the narrative was dominated by technological advancements and the integration of AI into business workflows. Now we are witnessing a pronounced shift towards skills – both technical and soft skills – to thrive in the era of AI.
“Communication is currently the most in-demand soft skill in Australia, as AI tools allow professionals to focus on uniquely human tasks such as communication, building relationships and collaborating with others.”
The report survey asked hiring managers in Australia to consider the most important human-centric skills, in the era of AI.
Problem-solving abilities (45%), critical thinking (31%), time management (25%) and listening skills (16%) join communication at the top of the list, as hiring managers consider a person’s potential for growth and their ability to learn as an important factor.
71% of Australian employers said they have observed substantial changes in the skills and qualifications they prioritise in job candidates due to the impact of AI and automation in their industries.
They said they are placing greater emphasis on candidates who possess not only AI expertise, but also the aforementioned soft skills and capacity for learning.
The survey also revealed that 39% of hiring managers in Australia have identified career progression opportunities as their key priority this year, with 33% seeing that as a key to retaining talent.
45% of the survey respondents believed that highlighting opportunities for career advancement and increasing internal mobility are the top two ways to attract talent.
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Lauren McNamara is a journalist at Mumbrella, covering the creative and PR beat. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS.
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