Critical human skills vanishing from modern workplace: BetterWorks study
NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES — Essential human skills in the modern workplace are disappearing. A study by BetterWorks reveals that 78% of organizations have been forced to alter job descriptions or lower hiring standards due to critical skill shortages.
The World Economic Forum also highlights that 9 of the top 10 skills needed for the future—such as creativity, empathy, and active listening—are inherently human and cannot be outsourced to technology. However, these “soft” skills are the hardest to teach.
The time crunch paradox
Organizations find themselves in a troubling situation where they lack both the necessary skills and the time to develop them. This challenge is particularly pressing as PwC revealed that 67% of workers would switch jobs for skill-development opportunities, while 70% of businesses report financial losses due to inadequately skilled workforces.
Four critical skills at risk
Forbes lists down the four critical skills in the digital age and how to rebuild them:
- Active listening – A global study by UKG Workforce Institute found that 86% of employees feel their voices are undervalued, especially those in junior roles. Active listening goes beyond hearing—it’s about engaging, understanding, and responding thoughtfully. Leaders can encourage this skill by fostering meaningful conversations, validating diverse viewpoints, and modeling effective communication practices.
- Attention and focus – The distractions, compounded by burnout and sleep deprivation, diminish productivity and creativity. Simple strategies, like scheduling distraction-free work periods or taking social media breaks, can help employees reclaim focus.
- Resilience and agility – Despite the pandemic’s end, workplace uncertainty persists, with 77% of employees reporting high stress levels, according to Gallup. Resilient teams adapt to challenges more effectively, improving decision-making and morale. Building resilience requires fostering psychological safety, embracing honest feedback, and addressing organizational weaknesses head-on.
- Perspective-taking – Polarization stifles innovation. Engaging with diverse perspectives activates brain networks linked to creativity and problem-solving, leading to stronger solutions. Organizations can nurture this skill by promoting cross-functional collaboration, encouraging open dialogues, and exposing teams to varied viewpoints.
Reclaiming humanity in the workplace
These skills are more than just workplace buzzwords—they define what it means to be human. As technology accelerates, the ability to listen, focus, adapt, and empathize will set thriving teams apart. Without investing in these endangered skills, businesses risk losing their most critical tools for navigating the future.
