{"id":8464,"date":"2019-01-02T09:00:52","date_gmt":"2019-01-02T14:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.spcollege.edu\/careers-internships\/?p=8464"},"modified":"2024-01-30T14:18:29","modified_gmt":"2024-01-30T19:18:29","slug":"soft-skills-multigen-workforce","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.spcollege.edu\/careers-internships\/soft-skills-multigen-workforce\/","title":{"rendered":"Soft Skills and Multigenerational Workforce"},"content":{"rendered":"

As Heraclitus, an ancient Greek philosopher, once said \u201cchange is the only constant in life\u201d. Technology changes, the way we work changes and who we work with changes. For the first time in history, we have four generations working side-by-side in the workplace. While each generation is unique, there is one thing that that is important to individual and organization success \u2014 soft skills. It is the bedrock upon which professional success is built and they are the skills that every generation values.<\/p>\n

WHAT ARE SOFT SKILLS?<\/h3>\n

The Collins English Dictionary<\/a> defines the term “soft skills” as “desirable qualities for certain forms of employment that do not depend on acquired knowledge: they include common sense, the ability to deal with people, and a positive flexible attitude.” It includes diversity and collaboration, inter-personal communication, adaptive thinking, professionalism, and leadership. All attributes that help make a work environment or interaction with another person easier to manage.<\/p>\n

Why Are Soft Skills Important?  <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Research from a  Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)\/ Mercer Survey<\/a> found that employers commonly look for more \u201csoft skills\u201d than they do technical skills like mathematics (computation). A few examples of top \u201csoft skills\u201d needed for workplace success include but are not limited to the following:<\/p>\n

Resilience and Adaptability<\/h4>\n

Staying positive and having a winning mindset are all ways to promote success! Companies need employees that are willing to grow, change and learn. Self- awareness is key.<\/p>\n

Communication<\/h4>\n

Good communications skills help you get hired but it also helps you succeed- personally and professionally.  In the digital age, individuals must develop their inter-personal skills by communicating verbally, in writing and even using various social media platforms.<\/p>\n

Collaboration and Diversity<\/h4>\n

Collaboration in the workplace is an effective way to bring individuals together so that they can share their expertise, perspective, and ideas to help companies maximize its potential.<\/p>\n

Professionalism<\/h4>\n

Professionalism is often defined by the industry that you work in. However, there are universal professional qualities that not only help you get hired but can help you keep your job.<\/p>\n