A sobering report reveals young Brits entering the workforce lacking key ‘soft skills’.
- Commissioned by Inspiring Learning, the study surveyed 2,000 individuals, including 590 employers.
- Communication, resilience, and problem-solving are the most significant gaps noted by employers.
- The deficiency in these skills is affecting employee engagement and adaptability to change across UK workplaces.
- The lack of early soft skills development is cited as a root cause of this issue.
The recent study commissioned by Inspiring Learning reveals that fundamental ‘soft skills’ are noticeably lacking among young employees entering the UK workforce. The survey, which involved 2,000 individuals, including 590 employers, pointed out that skills such as communication, resilience, and problem-solving are particularly deficient. These skills are crucial for ensuring effective interaction and adaptability in dynamic work environments.
Employers overwhelmingly indicated a preference for ‘soft skills’ over ‘hard skills’. The data shows that attributes such as teamwork (55%) and communication (52%) are nearly twice as valued as technical skills like computer capability (26%). This preference underscores the importance employers place on interpersonal and adaptive skills in the modern workplace.
The research highlighted a pronounced gap in these ‘soft skills’ within the 18-25-year-old demographic, commonly referred to as Gen Z. Specifically, over a third of this group is seen to lack communication skills (37%), while about 28% fall short in resilience and 27% in problem-solving abilities. A striking aspect of this communication gap is a significant aversion to phone calls, with around 24% of 16-24 year olds avoiding them, favouring digital communication, sometimes exclusively through emojis.
The underpinning causes of this skills deficit are traced back to a lack of emphasis on ‘soft skills’ during formative years. Nearly half (43%) of the survey’s respondents reported not being taught these essential skills in childhood, and the trend follows into adulthood where approximately 27% of British workers receive no support in developing such skills. Almost 43% do not engage in external training or team-building activities, which could enhance these attributes.
Alex Williamson, CEO of Inspiring Learning, emphasised the necessity of nurturing these skills, stating, ‘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.’ His comments reflect a broader understanding that soft skills are integral not just to current job roles but to future job markets as well.
Dr John Allan from Sheffield Hallam University supports this view, noting that outdoor adventure learning can play a significant role in developing these skills. He points out that immersion in nature can help alleviate stress and enhance positive emotions such as attentiveness and calmness, which are critical when transitioning into a professional environment. The institution’s outdoor courses have shown to build lasting improvements in resilience and overall well-being.
Addressing the soft skills gap is essential for equipping young workers for future career success.
