Post-Covid Employability and Soft Skills

The novel Corona Virus pandemic has affected every section of society in some form or the other. Talking about employability, it accelerated the existing trends in remote work, e-commerce, automation, food delivery companies, and pharmaceutical companies.

Millions of people lost jobs or were furloughed, many rapidly adjusted to WFH. A part of the workers was deemed essential and continued to work in hospitals and grocery stores etc., yet under new protocols to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Remote work and virtual meetings are likely to continue in the future with less intensity.

Some companies are planning to shift to flexible workspaces after receiving positive experiences with remote work during the pandemic. This step will reduce the overall space needed and bring fewer workers into offices each day. A survey of 278 executives in August 2020 by McKinsey found that companies are planning to reduce office space by 30 percent on average.

Although remote work may discourage business travel as the extensive use of videoconferencing during the pandemic has come up as a new acceptance of virtual meetings and other aspects of work yet, leisure travel and tourism are likely to rebound after the crisis. McKinsey’s travel practice estimates that about 20% of the business travel segment may not return.

E-Commerce has grown  faster during pandemic than before the pandemic


Other types of virtual transactions like online banking, streaming entertainment, and telemedicine have also grown tremendously. Practo, a telehealth company in India, grew more than ten times from April to November 2020.

25% more workers may need to switch occupations than those before the pandemic.

With a given concentration of job growth in high-wage occupations and a decline in low-wage occupations, the scale and nature of workforce transitions required in the future will be quite challenging. In this regard, the companies and governments of various nations are responding and enabling the youth to learn and acquire the required skills.

Five soft skills required for post covid working world

Adapting to Change 
The employees and the ones seeking employment should take time to acknowledge the changes and adapt to them. Employers are recruiting people who can see change as an opportunity for growth and innovation.

Creativity
Cost consciousness is still a focus for many employers. The upcoming employees should be the ones who can think of creative ideas to meet deadlines and fulfill the company’s objectives.

Effective Communication
Communication and its means have drastically changed in these times: Even virtual conferences, video calls, and online presentations also require the development of such skills.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
A high level of EQ is imperative in such times. It not only helps one to become more empathetic but will also help him to become a top performer in current and future workplaces.

Enthusiasm for Upskilling
Every employee should be prepared to upgrade himself as per the demands of the changing time. Exhibiting one's willingness to learn and understand new concepts not only helps one to prosper as an individual but also assists the organization to progress.

Written by Yukta Anand (Guest Contributor)

References

1) https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/the-future-of-work-after-covid-19
2)  https://www.siliconrepublic.com/advice/soft-skills-need-post-covid-working-world

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