The world of work is constantly evolving.
The World Economic Forum estimates that a billion people will need reskilling by 2030, as work adjusts to emerging technologies.
Pearson’s Skills Outlook provides vital insight into the immediate needs of the modern workforce, to help employers and employees stay relevant and adaptable for the long term. The first instalment identifies the 'Power Skills' - the capabilities that will power the world’s economy and people’s careers today and tomorrow. We looked at the current talent and skills needs of employers, as well as the capabilities that are required to maintain and enhance economic productivity by 2026.
The findings show human skills are the power skills most in demand
Our study analysed labour market trends in four major economies – US, UK, Australia and Canada - and confirms that, while technical skills and expertise remain highly valued, the top five most sought-after skills (now and in the short-term future) are all human skills.
We face an impending shortage of workers with collaboration and communication skills across all sectors. Technical skills are important for many jobs and will continue to be, but people will need to retrain frequently to ensure they keep up with the pace of technology. The importance of non-technical skills such as communication, the ability to learn and cultural and social intelligence, are only becoming more important and have true longevity. Businesses need to act now to help employees upskill. A strong foundation of human skills is essential for success for employers and employees now and in the future.
The top 5 Power Skills that employers are seeking today are:
The ability to express thoughts and ideas clearly, and to listen to, understand, and respond to others' ideas.
The provision of service to customers before, during, and after a purchase.
The ability of an individual, group or organisation to "lead", influence or guide other individuals, teams, or entire organisations.
The ability to be precise and accurate in tasks, taking care to notice small details and ensuring that all aspects of a project are completed accurately.
The ability to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.
The 5 Power Skills that are projected to be most in-demand by 2026 – and in need of greatest improvement and investment – are:
The ability to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.
Actively look for ways to assist customers and clients.
The ability to acquire knowledge or skills through one’s study or experience.
The ability to take on responsibilities and challenges with little or no supervision, develop one’s own way of doing things, and depend on oneself to get things done.
Have awareness and understanding of other’s reactions.
What can employers do next?
Because the technical skills needed for work will be in constant flux, those willing to be adaptable, agile, ready-to-learn, and with a growth mindset will have the greatest success. Targeted learning and development can equip your workforce with the capabilities to thrive, whatever tomorrow brings. Talk to us to discover how your organisation can cultivate a workforce that is fit for the future.
Pearson’s Workforce Skills division assessed and analysed current labour market demands, as well as the most sought-after skills cited by employers in 21 million recent job ads across four of the world’s leading economies (US, UK, Australia and Canada). Using Faethm’s workforce AI and predictive analytics platform, we looked at census and workforce data across the same four economies, in five key sectors, to model how job requirements are changing as a result of technological change.