Your Future Depends on Soft Skills

Do you have what it takes to be employed in the future? Or are you fearful that robots are going to take your job? 

The questions are serious and the answers may surprise you. Let’s take a look at some of the predictions and how you can set yourself up for success.

Clearly, the world of work is changing; technology is transforming the way companies do business and the way employees work. Increased digitization, automation and new technologies are seeping into the workplace every day with no signs of stopping. Robots are already out there and doing some pretty impressive work, but how far can it go?

As the world changes, you need to be prepared to keep up. According to a recent report from ManpowerGroup, titled Skills Revolution 2.0, the key to workplace success will come in the form of human strengths. Human strengths are defined as skills that will augment technology and reduce the threat of replacement by automation. While the term “human strengths” sounds like something straight out of a comic book or sci-fi movie, essentially we are talking about soft skills.

Soft skills are not new, but the way we use them in the future will be more important than ever. It is no longer enough to simply possess the actual technical skills needed to perform a job; employees will need more to stay relevant in their roles. They will have to have the right combination of soft skills, technical and digital skills to succeed. Here are the top soft skills considered to be the hardest to find and most valued for future employment:

  • Communication: Both written and verbal communication skills are included in this top skill category for the future. As we move further into the digital age you should know how to effectively convey information in a variety of styles and formats, e.g. in a one-on-one setting, in a team meeting, over the phone, on social media, and via email. Continually work on these skills by having people review what you write and asking co-workers for constructive feedback on your communication skills.
  • Customer Service: Everyone expects more. People expect you to move faster, smarter and to go above and beyond to resolve any issue or assignment. You need to know you are always on the front lines, even if you aren’t specifically in what is considered a customer service job. Everyone has to show that they can handle situations with professionalism and grace.
  • Problem Solving: How you approach a problem, process the situation, generate ideas and implement solutions will be critical to your career success. This skill requires a real discipline for process and dedication; you have to be tenacious and results-focused. Anyone can identify a problem, but the ones who can reach efficient solutions will be able to build a reputation as a go-to person.

In addition to these top 3 soft skills, other highly valued soft skills included collaboration, organization, leadership and management.

What else can you do to stay ahead of the robots? Keep learning. Be open to new experiences and gain new skills. Consider ongoing training, volunteer work or online classes. Manpower offers MyPath, a collection of online tools and programs to help associates navigate their career journey and be prepared for new opportunities. Check MyPath out.

For more information on the changing world of work, read the Skills Revolution 2.0 report.

Your Future Depends on Soft Skills


By using this website, you consent to the real-time collection, storage, use and sharing of information on your device or provided by you (such as mouse movements and clicks) by ManpowerGroup Inc. and/or its third-party providers.


By subscribing, you consent to receive SMS or MMS messages from ManpowerGroup. To opt out of our text messaging program, send the word STOP to 414-285-3185 at any time. If you receive a text message, you will have the opportunity to opt out. View our Privacy policy and Terms and Conditions. Message and Data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.

Your Future Depends on Soft Skills

Do you have what it takes to be employed in the future? Or are you fearful that robots are going to take your job? 

The questions are serious and the answers may surprise you. Let’s take a look at some of the predictions and how you can set yourself up for success.

Clearly, the world of work is changing; technology is transforming the way companies do business and the way employees work. Increased digitization, automation and new technologies are seeping into the workplace every day with no signs of stopping. Robots are already out there and doing some pretty impressive work, but how far can it go?

As the world changes, you need to be prepared to keep up. According to a recent report from ManpowerGroup, titled Skills Revolution 2.0, the key to workplace success will come in the form of human strengths. Human strengths are defined as skills that will augment technology and reduce the threat of replacement by automation. While the term “human strengths” sounds like something straight out of a comic book or sci-fi movie, essentially we are talking about soft skills.

Soft skills are not new, but the way we use them in the future will be more important than ever. It is no longer enough to simply possess the actual technical skills needed to perform a job; employees will need more to stay relevant in their roles. They will have to have the right combination of soft skills, technical and digital skills to succeed. Here are the top soft skills considered to be the hardest to find and most valued for future employment:

  • Communication: Both written and verbal communication skills are included in this top skill category for the future. As we move further into the digital age you should know how to effectively convey information in a variety of styles and formats, e.g. in a one-on-one setting, in a team meeting, over the phone, on social media, and via email. Continually work on these skills by having people review what you write and asking co-workers for constructive feedback on your communication skills.
  • Customer Service: Everyone expects more. People expect you to move faster, smarter and to go above and beyond to resolve any issue or assignment. You need to know you are always on the front lines, even if you aren’t specifically in what is considered a customer service job. Everyone has to show that they can handle situations with professionalism and grace.
  • Problem Solving: How you approach a problem, process the situation, generate ideas and implement solutions will be critical to your career success. This skill requires a real discipline for process and dedication; you have to be tenacious and results-focused. Anyone can identify a problem, but the ones who can reach efficient solutions will be able to build a reputation as a go-to person.

In addition to these top 3 soft skills, other highly valued soft skills included collaboration, organization, leadership and management.

What else can you do to stay ahead of the robots? Keep learning. Be open to new experiences and gain new skills. Consider ongoing training, volunteer work or online classes. Manpower offers MyPath, a collection of online tools and programs to help associates navigate their career journey and be prepared for new opportunities. Check MyPath out.

For more information on the changing world of work, read the Skills Revolution 2.0 report.

Your Future Depends on Soft Skills


By using this website, you consent to the real-time collection, storage, use and sharing of information on your device or provided by you (such as mouse movements and clicks) by ManpowerGroup Inc. and/or its third-party providers.


By subscribing, you consent to receive SMS or MMS messages from ManpowerGroup. To opt out of our text messaging program, send the word STOP to 414-285-3185 at any time. If you receive a text message, you will have the opportunity to opt out. View our Privacy policy and Terms and Conditions. Message and Data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.