Soft skills…They’re not just another aspect of work, they are the backbone of high-performing teams.
Believe it or not, these are the skills that can actually make or break workplace success. And in 2025, they’re more important than ever.
But here’s the kicker: they’re not always easy to define, measure, or develop, which makes it challenging for some senior stakeholders to see a tangible benefit.
But things aren’t as cut and dry as this.
Soft skills are absolutely beneficial.
Here, we’re breaking down the 20 most essential soft skills and taking a deep dive into what they are, why they matter, and how to develop them within your workforce.
But first…👇
What Are Soft Skills?
Soft skills are the human skills, the ones that help people communicate, collaborate, and lead effectively.
Unlike hard skills (which are technical and job-specific), soft skills are transferable.
So whether you’re leading a team, pitching an idea, or managing a project, those soft skills can really set you apart.
Think of them as the skills that make people actually want to work with you. 🙌
But Why Do Soft Skills Matter?
In today’s workplace, technical skills will get you hired. But the soft skills? They’ll get you promoted!
Businesses should prioritise soft skills more than ever because they drive workplace culture, teamwork, and innovation.
In fact, 93% of employers say soft skills are just as essential as hard skills! And with AI automating more technical tasks, human skills, like creativity, emotional intelligence, and adaptability are in high demand.
Let’s get into it!
The 20 Essential Soft Skills for the Workplace (+ How to Develop Them)
Communication Skills 🗣️
1. Effective Communication
Clear and concise communication, whether it be written, verbal, or non-verbal, is crucial for reducing misunderstandings and improving collaboration.
How to develop this skill in your organisation:
- Offer training on clear and impactful writing and speaking.
- Provide access to public speaking programs like Toastmasters.
- Implement tools like Grammarly to improve written communication.
- Encourage active feedback loops to refine messaging and delivery.
Learn more here: Communication Styles in the Workplace (+ How to Find Yours)
2. Active Listening
Listening is more than just hearing, it’s about understanding, processing, and responding thoughtfully.
How to develop this skill in your organisation:
- Train employees on active listening techniques such as summarising and asking clarifying questions.
- Promote a culture of mindful listening in meetings.
- Encourage a respectful dialogue where employees feel heard and valued.
3. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Managing emotions, both your own and others’, enhances teamwork, leadership, and workplace harmony.
How to develop this skill in your organisation:
- Provide training on emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
- Encourage mindfulness practices to improve emotional regulation.
- Recommend books like Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry.
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4. Collaboration & Teamwork
Strong teams accomplish more when they trust and communicate effectively.
How to develop this skill in your organisation:
- Encourage cross-functional collaboration.
- Organise team-building exercises to build trust.
- Promote an open feedback culture where all voices are valued.
5. Persuasion & Influence
The ability to convince and inspire others is essential for leadership, sales, and innovation.
How to develop this skill in your organisation:
- Train employees on persuasive techniques such as storytelling.
- Encourage the study of books like Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini.
- Provide opportunities for employees to pitch ideas and receive constructive feedback.
Thinking & Problem-Solving Skills 🤔
6. Critical Thinking
Employees who analyse information objectively make better decisions and drive innovation.
How to develop this skill in your organisation:
- Encourage questioning assumptions and seeking diverse perspectives.
- Use brainstorming sessions to generate creative solutions.
- Implement problem-solving frameworks like the 5 Whys.
7. Problem-Solving
Effective problem-solvers identify challenges, develop solutions, and take action.
How to develop this skill in your organisation:
- Provide training in methodologies such as Root Cause Analysis.
- Encourage reflection on past problem-solving experiences.
- Foster a solutions-oriented culture.
8. Creativity & Innovation
Thinking outside the box is crucial for business growth and adaptability.
How to develop this skill in your organisation:
- Set aside dedicated brainstorming time.
- Expose employees to diverse industries and perspectives.
- Use mind-mapping techniques to spark new ideas.
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9. Decision-Making
Strong decision-makers balance data, intuition, and logic.
How to develop this skill in your organisation:
- Teach decision-making frameworks like SWOT analysis.
- Encourage employees to consider diverse viewpoints before making choices.
- Provide opportunities to learn from experienced leaders.
10. Adaptability & Flexibility
Embracing change ensures resilience and growth within any department.
How to develop this skill in your organisation:
- Promote a growth mindset that views change as an opportunity.
- Keep teams updated on industry trends.
- Encourage employees to step outside their comfort zones.
Self-Management & Productivity Skills 📈
11. Time Management
Efficient time management boosts productivity and ultimately reduces stress.
How to develop this skill in your organisation:
- Introduce techniques like time-blocking and the Pomodoro method.
- Encourage the use of focus apps like Todoist.
- Train employees on prioritisation methods such as the Eisenhower Matrix.
12. Resilience & Stress Management
Handling pressure effectively leads to long-term success.
How to develop this skill in your organisation:
- Provide resources for mindfulness, exercise, and stress reduction.
- Encourage a culture that sees failure as a learning opportunity.
- Foster a supportive work environment.
13. Accountability & Responsibility
Employees who take ownership of their work earn respect and trust.
How to develop this skill in your organisation:
- Set clear KPIs and track progress.
- Encourage taking responsibility for mistakes and focusing on solutions.
- Promote regular self-assessment and feedback.
14. Self-Motivation
Intrinsic motivation drives continuous improvement.
How to develop this skill in your organisation:
- Support goal-setting aligned with employee values.
- Celebrate small wins to maintain motivation.
- Offer professional development opportunities.
15. Attention to Detail
Accuracy prevents costly mistakes. Have you experienced this before?
How to develop this skill in your organisation:
- Encourage double-checking work and using checklists.
- Promote a focus-friendly work environment.
- Train employees to break tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
Leadership & People Skills 👥
16. Leadership & Management
Great leaders empower and inspire their teams.
How to develop this skill in your organisation:
- Provide leadership training and mentorship opportunities.
- Encourage a servant leadership mindset.
- Recommend books like Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek.
17. Conflict Resolution
Resolving workplace disagreements constructively strengthens relationships.
How to develop this skill in your organisation:
- Train teams in active listening and neutral conflict resolution techniques.
- Promote solution-focused discussions.
- Encourage collaborative problem-solving.
18. Networking & Relationship Building
Strong connections open doors to new opportunities. It’s all about the little black book!
How to develop this skill in your organisation:
- Encourage participation in industry events and networking forums.
- Provide guidance on maintaining professional relationships.
- Foster a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
19. Empathy
Understanding others leads to stronger teams and better communication.
How to develop this skill in your organisation:
- Promote perspective-taking exercises.
- Encourage exposure to diverse viewpoints through reading and discussion.
- Support mentorship and volunteering opportunities.
20. Cultural Intelligence (CQ)
A globally aware workforce enhances collaboration and business success.
How to develop this skill in your organisation:
- Offer DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) training.
- Facilitate cross-cultural learning experiences.
- Encourage collaboration across diverse teams.
Why not read our guide: DEI Training: What You Need to Know.
Final Thoughts
LinkedIn data says that employees possessing strong organisation, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills experience promotions 11% faster than their peers. Additionally, nearly two-thirds (63%) of individuals who received soft skills training reported improved job performance!
So there you have it…
Soft skills aren’t just “nice to have.” They’re career multipliers. The best part? You can develop them anytime, anywhere…starting today.
Are you interested in learning more about soft skills?
Take a look at our previous guide: What are Soft Skills? (Plus, How to Develop Them)
Got 2 Minutes?
If your organisation is struggling with learners that don’t have the soft skills they need to thrive? Thirst has the solution.
Thirst is an AI-powered learning platform that helps L&D teams of all sizes support skills development.
Take a guided tour today and see Thirst in action.
For more e-learning insights, resources and information, discover the Thirst blog.
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