16 Mar 5 Future Skills for the Workplace
By: Megan Jones
The working world is constantly evolving (just look at how different our working world is since 2020). Remote working and flexible schedules are our new norm. As an employee, it is imperative that we continue to adapt to these new changes in order to grow professionally. Therefore, here are 5 future skills for the workplace!
What are Future Skills?
Future skills are skills that benefit an employee in the long run. Yes, any skill you bring into the workplace will most likely help you in the future. However, as our working world continues to evolve it is important to be an asset to our teams and possess these set of skills.
Future Skills
Analytical Thinking
Employers and recruiters alike seek out this skill in their candidates. To think analytically is to be able to detect patterns, interpret data and brainstorm solutions. But here is an additional reason why it is critical to think analytically in today’s working world. Many of us may encounter working remotely in our position. Whether it is you personally, your manager, or client there is a high probability that you won’t always have direct contact with the person you are looking to get in touch with. Therefore, when challenges arise, this is a great opportunity to be able to think analytically and brainstorm possible solutions. Troubleshoot the challenge and see where it takes you. You may be able to solve this challenge on your own. Not only does this allow you to think analytically but it provides the opportunity to take initiative and flesh out your options!
Communication
Communication is a key trait in nearly all working environments. From emails, phone calls, video conferences, and client meetings we are constantly communicating. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that employees work to achieve the best level of communication possible. Moreover, to understand when to use different tones, verbiage or communication channels. All employees communicate differently and there are seemingly infinite channels to communicate a message to someone. Ensure that you continuously work to harness this skill. You want to be able to present yourself professionally and appropriately.
Digital Literacy
Whether we like it or not we are moving towards a more technical working world. Video conferencing has become the norm. Mediated messages through platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Slack have become more common than conducting a formal email for a quick message. Additionally, there are countless software and databases that allow us to store, create and interpret data. Although it can be daunting, consider looking into new media or software courses to learn a new skill. You can always start becoming a subject matter expert in a common software such as Microsoft Office which would incredibly useful and an important skillset.
Cognitive Flexibility
Cognitive flexibility to the idea of being able to adapt your behavior and skillset to different working environments. You want to be a versatile employee who can be flexible and take on different variations of projects. Not only will you learn additional skills from the different projects you take on, but you will get to know different teams within your organization.
Self-Management
Again, you may encounter working in a remote environment. It can be difficult to always get in touch with other colleagues or mangers. Therefore, being able to work with little to no supervision is essential in today’s working world. You should be able to manage yourself and your time appropriately. Additionally, because there may be limited communication it is important to be able to manage the challenges you have and access and brainstorm solutions.
We know these future skills will definitely help you grow professionally in the future!
