The most in-demand skills for the AI work environment

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Often, the soft skills that help to build the connection between an employee, their job, their organisation, and their colleagues have been seen as less important than the more tangible, technical skills that connect employees to the physical function of their jobs. Now through, LinkedIn’s 2024 most in-demand skills data shows that soft skills make up four of the top five skills and that 92% of UK business leaders believe soft skills are more important than ever.

While AI technologies excel at data analysis and automation and can connect employees to the physical function of their jobs, they still rely on human involvement for their development, deployment, and application. Soft skills that complement the technical aspects of AI by fostering effective communication, collaboration, critical thinking, ethical considerations, creativity, and user-centric approach all then become essential in building the connection between employees and their job, organisation, and colleagues. 

The rapid development of AI means the skills needed for jobs are expected to change at least 65% by 2030 and soft skills will be needed to manage these changes Ensuring employees are equipped with the right skills for their role is therefore essential in developing greater understanding and positive working relationships that improve overall workplace culture, improve teamwork and job satisfaction, raise morale, and increase efficiency and performance.

The requirement for soft skills is likely to increase over the next five years with 69% of UK hiring managers believing the fast-paced changes in the work environment will increase the skills gap. To mitigate against this and to make the most of the opportunities presented by AI, organisations are prioritising the development of both AI and soft skills with 34% of UK HR professionals looking to increase AI literacy though online training and development and 29% implementing guidelines on how generative AI should be used within the organisation.

Generationally, 70% of UK hiring managers said Gen Z employees needed additional workplace support to develop soft skills such as communication and collaboration but that Gen Z professionals were keen to learn, with 47% saying they’re spending more time on learning and development to help them in their careers.

The most in-demand skills for 2024 are:

  • Communication

  • Customer Service

  • Management

  • Leadership

  • Teamwork

  • Project Management

  • Analytical Skills

  • Sales

  • Problem Solving

  • Research Skills

By combining uniquely human skills with the potential of AI, leaders can give their organisations an edge and contributes to improving overall business performance and organisational success.