Empower your workforce in minutes — with 10 soft skills that matter  

Technical skills alone aren’t enough to thrive in today’s workplace. Success increasingly depends on how well we communicate, collaborate, lead and adapt — in other words, on soft skills. 

Soft skills aren’t just a “nice to have.” Forward-thinking companies are increasingly investing in soft skills training. From entry-level employees to senior leaders, everyone benefits from sharpening these essential human capabilities. The payoff? Stronger teams, greater agility, greater engagement and better business outcomes. 

Why soft skills matter — and where they show up 

When projects stall or tensions rise, the problem is rarely a lack of technical knowledge. More often, it’s a breakdown in how people work together — unclear communication, misaligned expectations or difficult conversations left unspoken. 

That’s where soft skills come in. Soft skills training isn’t just about personal development. It’s about empowering employees and managers to work better together to navigate conflict, influence outcomes and adapt to change to drive business results. 

• Business leaders see the ROI: LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends report names soft skills the #1 priority for talent development. Companies that invest in these areas see stronger collaboration, higher retention, and better performance. Over 90% of U.S. hiring managers say soft skills are just as important — or more important — than technical skills. In fact, 89% of bad hires are attributed to a lack of soft skills.  
• Employees want these skills: According to Deloitte, nearly 90% of Gen Z and Millennial employees believe soft skills are critical to career success — and want training in empathy and leadership. They know employers aren’t just looking for credentials, they’re looking for people who can collaborate, communicate and lead. 
• AI is changing what matters: As automation handles more routine tasks, it’s uniquely human skills — empathy, critical thinking, adaptability — that help employees stand out and thrive. 
• Hiring managers look beyond the resume: Recruiters increasingly rank soft skills such as adaptability, collaboration and creativity above technical skills alone. 

Soft skills training also provides HR professionals with a safe and practical path forward when wanting to do the right thing but fearing the risk of doing it wrong. For example, soft skills can fill a training gap that empowers an organization to address sensitive topics like inclusivity and mental health with empathy and confidence — and without unnecessary legal risk. 

10 soft skills that make a real difference 

Whether it’s avoiding costly misunderstandings or building a culture of inclusion, these skills show up where it counts. With the right training format, employees can build these capabilities in minutes — and apply them right away. 

1. Writing effectively 
   Well-crafted messages reduce confusion. When someone knows how to write concise, audience-friendly emails or reports, they reduce misunderstandings and build credibility and boost productivity. 

2. Communicating with confidence 
   Being able to speak up clearly and confidently — whether in meetings, presentations or one-on-one — helps your employees advocate ideas, inspire teams and lead change. 

3. Active listening with empathy 
   Active listening and empathy turn ordinary conversations into meaningful connections. They help build trust, resolve conflicts, strengthen relationships to foster a culture where people feel heard and valued. 

4. Handling difficult conversations 
   Addressing issues early and respectfully keeps small problems from escalating into big ones and builds team accountability. 

5. Giving constructive feedback 
   Knowing how to give clear, kind and constructive feedback supports coaching by helping individuals and teams learn and improve without defensiveness or hurt feelings. 

6. Decision-making  
   Decision-making techniques help employees and managers avoid analysis paralysis and make thoughtful, timely choices — critical for agility in today’s fast-moving workplaces. 

7. Project management  
   Managing projects with clarity, milestones and clearly assigned roles keeps teams aligned and on schedule to deliver desired results. 

8. Emotional intelligence  
   Self-awareness empowers individuals to model respectful behavior, manage stress and build psychologically safe environments where innovation and collaboration can thrive.  

9. Teamwork for remote work 
   In hybrid and remote environments, intentional communication and team rituals help people feel connected and aligned — no matter where they work.  

10. Time management skills 
    Learn the “rocks, pebbles, sand” approach to help you prioritize high-value work and make the most of your day.