Conflict mitigation key skill in 2025: LinkedIn
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — As layoffs and return-to-office (RTO) mandates reshape the workplace, the ability to navigate and resolve office disputes has emerged as a critical skill, according to a recent report by LinkedIn.
The platform’s editor-in-chief, Dan Roth, highlights the importance of this skill in today’s challenging job market.
LinkedIn’s insight on workforce dynamics
The job market continues to be tight, with a decrease in hiring by 3.4% year-over-year and a competitive ratio of 2.5 job applications for every available position.
“It’s not a disaster, but it’s not great out there,” Roth commented in a TODAY interview. “Which is why it’s so important to know what skills you need to have to look better when you’re applying.”
Amidst ongoing corporate changes, including unpopular RTO mandates and increased use of artificial intelligence, conflict mitigation has become increasingly vital.
This skill is now the second fastest-growing on LinkedIn, essential for fostering collaboration and leading teams effectively during both strife and success.
Tech and beyond: Where conflict skills shine
Professions such as administrative assistants, project managers, and customer service representatives are increasingly requiring proficiency in conflict resolution. The demand is particularly high in sectors like technology, IT consulting, and higher education—areas impacted by global competition and political factors.
Roth noted the growth of emotional intelligence and soft skills among executives, with a 31% increase since 2018 in C-suite leaders who highlight these capabilities on their profiles.
Other in-demand skills for 2025
While conflict mitigation is crucial, AI literacy remains the top skill for 2025, reflecting the ongoing technological evolution within industries like software development and higher education.
Roth advises, “This is not a ‘go learn to code’ moment,’ this is ‘get familiar with how to use AI,’ try out the tools, think about how to apply them in any role you have in any job you’ve got.”
Other skills gaining traction include adaptability, innovative thinking, and process optimization, underscoring the need for a balance between technical know-how and human-centric capabilities.
In a workforce now spanning five generations, the ability to manage intergenerational differences and workplace conflicts is more important than ever.
“For the first time, we have five generations working together,” Roth explains, stressing the need for skills that AI cannot replicate, such as managing diverse viewpoints and conflicts in the workplace.
