The Growing Importance of Online Soft Skills Training in Today's Job Market

Soft skills generally refer to individual qualities like leadership, communication ability, problem-solving, and learning mindset. Contrary to hard skills that encompass job-specific technical abilities, soft skills apply to every job in all industries. No wonder they play a key role in deciding success in a fast-changing world where the demand for a well-rounded individual is at its peak. Virtual collaboration, interactive modules, and webinars help professionals stay updated with business trends that contribute to their adaptability within the changing workspace dynamics. Online training has opened a huge opportunity for employees and job seekers, offering flexible and scalable methods of upskilling. The rise of self-paced, customizable soft skills training programs, coupled with ongoing assessments, has greatly fueled the growth for online soft skills training market.

The COVID-19 Impact and Remote Work Mode

The increase in remote or hybrid work models induced by COVID-19, has almost placed the soft skills to be a necessity. In today's digital landscape, where face-to-face interactions are often replaced by virtual meetings on platforms like Teams, Skype, and Zoom, the traditional shared physical space, conducive to body language and free-flowing exchange of ideas, is slowly being edged out. This shift necessitates that employees adapt to a more concise, connected, and expressive mode of communication within the constraints of limited timeframes. According to findings from a McKinsey survey, the focus on empathy and interpersonal skills within companies doubled in the year 2020.

Soft Skills Adorns Employability

As per a Forbes article published in September 2022, 45% of job descriptions posted on LinkedIn mentioned the importance of communication skills while more than 61% of the professionals said that soft skills are as important as hard skills. Effective communication is crucial in relationship-building with co-workers, clients, and superiors. A candidate who can articulate ideas, listen attentively, and convey information with accuracy and persuasion is more likely to be hired and retained in an organization. Employers value candidates who can manage time, meet deadlines, and prioritize work wisely. According to Rohan Rajiv, Director of Product Management, LinkedIn, foundational soft skills were featured in 78% of jobs posted globally.

Online Soft Skills Training Influences Employee Retention

Online learning allows employees and freshers to streamline training, based on their line of work or area of interest. The customized pace allows them to respond and work on the shortage of soft skills identified. Moreover, there are a variety of tailored courses available which help in internal learning to bridge skill gaps. Regardless of the ways the employers upskill, the need is evident and pressing to keep their performance aligned with the organizational goals.

Transferable Quality of Soft Skills

Soft Skills generally refer to categories like leadership, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Unlike hard skills, these not only serve one job role but constantly contribute to building a foundation that helps to navigate the technical specialties and consequently the career of an employee through time. For example, an employer might excel in technical tasks like writing code, utilizing AI in Microsoft Office, developing apps, or crafting designs. However, skills such as problem-solving, effective communication, and building strong relationships with colleagues or clients are timeless. Unlike technical abilities that may become outdated, these interpersonal and problem-solving skills remain valuable assets throughout an employee's career journey, persisting regardless of job tenure.

Affordable Certifications from Renowned Institutions and Companies

One of the biggest advantages of online soft skill training courses is that they are affordable and have certifications that allow a professional to assess oneself quantitatively. With each course competition, there are certifications of different levels (e.g., basic, advanced, complete courses, etc.) by esteemed institutions.

Coursera offers many programs such as ‘Finding Your Professional Voice: Confidence and Impact’ (University of London), ‘Managing Emotions in Uncertainty and Stress’ (Yale University), ‘Developing Interpersonal Skills’ (IBM), and ‘Teamwork Skills: Communicating Effectively in Groups’ (University of Colorado Boulder). Udemy offers an array of courses priced at just Rs. 500, making them easily accessible to both employees and freshers alike. From "Workplace Communication: Empowering Your Voice in Meetings" to "Leadership: Mastering the Art of Speaking Like a Leader," and "Listening Skills: Essential Tools for Success in the Workspace," there's a course for everyone.

Endnote!

Soft Skills lay a solid foundation in the learning and adaptive capabilities of a professional. The job market is constantly changing and amidst that, emotional intelligence, empathy, connectedness, and integrity are the core survival hacks. The increasing emphasis on embracing humanity within the work environment has become a key factor in setting organizations apart. Online soft skills training provides an opportunity to cultivate a character rooted in these principles through well-organized and personalized programs.

For more insights and interesting analysis of the online soft skills training market, contact our analysts today!

About the Author(s)

   

Abhinav Chandrayan

Abhinav Chandrayan has worked in the Writing industry for 2 years, gaining experience in Media & Advertising and Market Research Industry. As a seasoned writer, he is passionate about advancing his writing skills by reading and working on versatile domains. In addition to writing, he is also involved in filmmaking, where his films have won many awards at International Film Festivals.