Source: globenewswire.com
Dependability and Problem-Solving Skills Sought by Employers
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, soft skills are becoming more valuable to employers, according to a new Harris Poll survey commissioned by Express Employment Professionals.
The pandemic is expected to have long-lasting impacts on employers, with a new normal that requires employers to be flexible, adapt to change quickly and be innovative. In the short-term, companies are anticipated to face acute labour shortages and high employee turnover, as many employers were already struggling to find qualified employees even before the pandemic.
According to the new survey, more than half of businesses (59%) say finding qualified applicants for open positions is one of their greatest difficulties, and one-third say one of the main reasons is that applicants lack soft skills (33%).
The most sought-after soft skills include willingness to learn and dependability (both at 81%), communication skills and adaptability (both at 75%), problem-solving skills (74%) and taking initiative (72%).
These findings follow a December 2020 Harris Poll survey for Express Employment Professionals which found more than half of hiring decision-makers believe soft skills are very important or absolutely essential when considering a job applicant.