Fareport are partnering with the Hampshire, Surrey & Isle of Wight Chambers of Commerce to explore what the future of workplace skills should look like.
In a world of rapidly evolving technologies, new business models and shifting working arrangements, the nature of work is changing at pace. That means that one thing remains constant: organisations still rely on people; and people still rely on relationships, communication, adaptability and judgement.
That’s why our work with fellow partners is so timely. We have partnered with the Hampshire, Surrey & Isle of Wight Chambers of Commerce to research how soft skills like communication and teamwork are crucial for tomorrow’s success.
What are soft skills?
Soft skills are the personal and interpersonal attributes that shape how effectively someone works with others and approaches their role. Some of the specific examples include:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Adaptability
Unlike technical skills, soft skills are less tangible, more about how we behave, interact and adjust, and that’s precisely why they’re growing in importance.
There are a few reasons why they matter more than ever:
- The rise of remote/hybrid working means communication, self-management and adaptability are no longer “nice to haves” but essential.
- Organisations are dealing with rapid changes, so the ability to problem-solve, pivot, and work well with others is front and centre.
- Technology automates many routine tasks; what can’t be so easily automated are the human-to-human, relational and creativity aspects of work.
The research initiative
Our project invites input from employers, professionals and training providers via focus-groups and a survey.
This collaborative approach is a valuable way to identify skills gaps for businesses and giving them the potential to act. It’s about understanding real business needs and gaps, which makes future programmes more relevant.
The Big Soft Skills You Need to Focus On
Communication
Clear, effective communication underpins almost every workplace interaction: whether giving feedback, coordinating with team members, explaining ideas, or listening. In remote or hybrid contexts, miscommunication or lack of clarity can quickly erode trust and productivity.
Teamwork & Collaboration
Working well with others is increasingly important no matter the context. Soft skills around collaboration include empathy, active listening, managing conflict, and building positive working relationships.
Adaptability & Resilience
With change now a constant in the modern world, workers need to adjust quickly: new systems, new ways of working, evolving customer expectations. Being adaptable means you’re more likely to thrive rather than just survive.
Time Management & Self-Management
If you’re working hybrid, or remotely, or in a flat/fast-paced organisation, then the ability to manage your time, prioritise tasks, be self-motivated and maintain output becomes especially significant.
Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
This is more than just technical problem-solving, but it includes creative & critical thinking, identifying root causes, weighing options, making decisions under uncertainty. As organisations face more complex challenges, those soft-problem-solving dimensions become ever more valuable.
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Why Organisations Who Invest in Soft Skills Win
Better employee engagement
When people feel better able to communicate, there is confidence to collaborate, and individuals feel better supported.
Stronger culture and collaboration
Soft-skills-rich teams tend to handle conflict better, innovatively solve problems, and support each other.
Higher agility & innovation
With strong soft skills, teams adapt faster, pivot when needed, learn from failure and experiment more confidently.
Improved customer experience
Many customer touchpoints involve human interaction. Soft skills such as empathy, communication and adaptability can often be the differentiator between a memorable experience.
Sustainable growth and competitive advantage
Technical skills may become quickly outdated. Soft skills are long lasting and harder to replicate, making them invaluable for all.
Help shape the future of workplace skills
The future of work belongs to those who combine technical expertise with the human qualities that drive collaboration, innovation and resilience. As technology continues to reshape industries, soft skills such as communication, adaptability and problem-solving will remain the true differentiators of success.
With Fareport’s initiative to help shape the future of workplace skills reminds us that developing these attributes is a personal ambition as well as a collective responsibility shared by employers, educators and learners alike.
By investing in the growth of soft skills today, we build stronger teams, more agile organisations, and a workforce ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges with confidence and empathy.
