Written by: Beau Gellings
As a business representative, I spend most of my day speaking with employers. Through several conversations I see some commonalities surrounding key workforce gaps. Items such as technology, different generations, and evolving business plans have impacted how a business’s workforce interacts with each other and how their business is done.
Employers tell me these impacts can be felt in all areas of their business. For example, when the veteran certified welding inspector has to train a new employee from millennial generation who has a different learning style or the retirement of a senior executive with the next in line still looking to develop their leadership skills.
As John Maxell said, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” More than likely, everyone has experienced some positive changes in their workplace, but soft skills are an area where some are expressing a need for growth. Today’s workplace requires employees at all levels to take initiative to solve problems, work cooperatively in teams and adapt to an ever-changing environment.
Soft skills are almost as crucial as hard skills in helping a company succeed and grow; and these missing skills are what is creating a workforce gap. Soft skills are the way an employee relates to and interacts with co-workers and challenges in the workplace.
Top Soft Skills Employers Want:
- Communication
- Listening
- Adaptability
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinker
- Positive Attitude
- Teamwork
- Work Productively
There are already enough challenges around time, specifications and budgets; don’t like soft skills prevent your organization from growing. If soft skills are an area that you would like to close the gap on, Moraine Park Technical College Economic and Workforce Development has partnered with several local employers to create customized soft skills programs to address their needs.
