5 essential skills needed in the
post-pandemic workplace
As we begin the push to a ‘new normal’ and think about what the future workplace looks like, we also need to think about what skills we should bring to the table. While technical skills and competencies will be under high scrutiny, let’s not forget the skills that companies will be needing from employers no matter what career path you are on.
- Adaptability
The world was changing rapidly before the pandemic, but now, change is a super-charged part of everyday working life. Not only has this launched adaptability to the front of most desired skills in employees, but it has also made it a critical skill. Adaptability is not just about being able to put up with change, it’s about thriving in the face of it.
With adaptability comes resilience and flexibility, not only are these required for current times, companies will want to see these qualities present in employees to make sure they have a workforce that is prepared for any future events and disruptions the world throws at us.
- Critical thinking
As the world becomes louder, critical thinking and the ability to pull out credible data and information becomes imperative to helping companies cut through the noise and make informed effective business decisions. Employees that can evaluate, explain and restructure their thinking tend to have a more thorough self-awareness and are more aware of unconscious cognitive bias making them naturally more inclusive leaders.
- Intrapreneurship
Ok so we’ve cheated a bit with this one, the term ‘intrapreneurship’ involves a lot of skills in itself – creativity, problem-solving, proactiveness. People who have an entrepreneurial spirit can overcome short-term crisis’s and can create effective long-term strategies. Intrapreneurs are solution-orientated and open to ideas and opportunities, making them an essential employee in the post-pandemic workplace.
- Communication
Being a good communicator will not make the cut in the post-pandemic workplace, companies will need effective communicators to steer teams in the right direction while making sure everyone is on the same page. Remote working is not going anywhere soon, making effective communication even more important to keep teams on track and boost employee engagement.
- Emotional intelligence
Part of being a good communicator and a good leader is high emotional intelligence. The ability to listen and to understand others is an essential skill, especially post-pandemic where anxiety and mental health will be instrumental in guiding employee engagement and wellness.
Do you have all the skills needed for the post-pandemic workplace? Are you lacking in some of these areas? Now’s the time to reach out to your connections and help each other upskill for the future workplace.
