Not sure what soft skills you should be prioritising in the workplace? We share some of the most important ones for 2026.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in your job. And as a consequence to think that all that matters to doing a good job are the skills that get the job done.
On the surface, these skills might feel like simply your core job functions.
For example, if you work in marketing, then you might think skills like copywriting are the only ones that matter.
But you’re wrong.
Soft skills have been on the rise for years.
In fact, they were always important, but now employers are taking more notice of them.
So, from a learning perspective, we need to take notice too.
Soft skills are essential for building strong professional relationships, enhancing teamwork, and advancing your career.
While many focus on technical abilities, developing soft skills like communication, adaptability, and problem-solving can make a significant difference in your workplace success.
The good news is that improving these skills doesn’t have to be difficult.
Keep reading to learn:
- What soft skills are
- Why soft skills are important in the workplace
- Which soft skills are the most important
- Easy, practical ways to boost your soft skills
Let’s get started.
What are soft skills?
Soft skills in the workplace refer to the personal attributes, behaviours, and social abilities that enable individuals to effectively interact with others and contribute to a positive working environment.
Related: Hard skills vs soft skills
These skills include communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence, among others.
Unlike technical skills, which are job-specific and measurable, soft skills are more about how people approach tasks and relationships, playing a crucial role in fostering collaboration, productivity, and workplace harmony.
They are highly valued by employers as they enhance job performance and help build strong professional relationships.
Related: How to improve soft skills in the workplace
Why are soft skills important in the workplace
As AI takes over repetitive tasks, soft skills are more crucial than ever.
With machines handling data and automation, it’s human creativity, empathy, and communication that set people apart.
In fact, as tech becomes smarter, the ability to collaborate, lead, and adapt is what drives innovation.
What’s the relevance of soft skills?
Well, that’s exactly what they are and what they can do.
So which soft skills do you need and which should you prioritise?
Key soft skills you need
In today’s fast-paced and collaborative work environment, technical expertise alone isn’t enough to thrive.
Employers increasingly value soft skills: the personal qualities that enable you to work well with others and adapt to change.
Whether you’re navigating complex team dynamics or solving unexpected problems, soft skills are essential for fostering productivity, building strong relationships, and advancing your career.
Here are 12 of the most important soft skills:
- Communication (verbal and written)
- Emotional intelligence
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
- Critical thinking
- Time management
- Creativity
- Conflict resolution
- Leadership
- Active listening
- Interpersonal skills
- Positivity
Let’s look at each of these in more detail.
1. Communication
Communication involves expressing ideas clearly, listening actively, and ensuring understanding in both verbal and written forms.
Effective communication is essential for avoiding misunderstandings, building relationships, and ensuring smooth collaboration.
It fosters a positive work environment where team members can share ideas and resolve issues efficiently.
According to research, strong communication skills can improve workplace productivity by up to 25%.
2. Emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognise, understand, and manage your own emotions, as well as those of others.
High EQ helps employees navigate interpersonal relationships, manage stress, and make more empathetic decisions.
It’s particularly valuable for leadership and team cohesion.
Studies show that employees with higher emotional intelligence tend to perform better in their jobs.
3. Teamwork and collaboration
Teamwork is the ability to work effectively with others to achieve a common goal, while collaboration involves contributing your unique skills and ideas to group efforts.
In most workplaces, teamwork is essential for driving innovation and achieving objectives. Strong collaborators contribute to a supportive work culture and help teams solve complex problems faster.
Research shows that effective teamwork can increase company profitability by 21%.
4. Problem-solving
Problem-solving is the ability to identify issues, think critically, and develop practical solutions.
Every workplace encounters challenges, and being able to address them efficiently is a key factor in maintaining productivity.
Employees who are strong problem-solvers help companies overcome obstacles and improve processes, which is crucial in competitive industries.
5. Adaptability
Adaptability is the ability to adjust to new conditions, including changes in roles, responsibilities, or workplace technologies.
In today’s fast-evolving work environment, being adaptable is a crucial skill.
Employees who embrace change tend to be more resilient and productive in dynamic settings.
A survey revealed that 91% of HR managers consider adaptability as an important soft skill for future success.
6. Critical thinking
Critical thinking involves analysing information, evaluating evidence, and making reasoned decisions based on facts and logic.
The benefit is that critical thinkers can make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary risks.
In a workplace, this skill is important for strategic planning and problem-solving, helping teams to find the best approach in complex situations.
Research shows that critical thinking improves performance in key areas like productivity and project management.
7. Time management
Time management is the ability to plan, organise, and prioritise tasks efficiently to meet deadlines.
Good time management ensures that tasks are completed on schedule, reducing stress and increasing productivity.
Employers value staff who can handle workloads without sacrificing quality. Studies have shown that effective time management boosts productivity by 20%.
8. Creativity
Creativity is the ability to generate new ideas, think outside the box, and develop innovative solutions.
In fact, creativity fuels innovation and helps businesses stay competitive.
In the workplace, creative employees can offer fresh perspectives on challenges, leading to more effective solutions.
Organisations that foster creativity are 3.5 times more likely to outperform their peers in terms of revenue growth.
9. Conflict resolution
Conflict resolution is the ability to mediate disputes and find mutually beneficial solutions in the workplace.
Conflicts are inevitable in any team setting.
Being able to resolve disputes professionally helps maintain a positive work environment and ensures collaboration remains productive.
Proper conflict resolution can prevent long-term issues and foster a more cohesive team dynamic.
10. Leadership
Leadership is the ability to guide, motivate, and inspire others to work towards a common goal.
Strong leadership helps build trust within teams, drives innovation, and ensures that objectives are met.
Good leaders not only direct but also support their teams, improving morale and productivity.
11. Active listening
Active listening is the practice of fully concentrating on the speaker, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully.
In the workplace, active listening is crucial for avoiding misunderstandings, fostering trust, and ensuring effective collaboration.
Employees who actively listen tend to have stronger relationships with colleagues and managers, which leads to a more harmonious work environment.
12. Interpersonal skills
Interpersonal skills encompass the ability to interact and communicate effectively with others, building relationships based on trust and respect.
Strong interpersonal skills are vital for creating a positive workplace culture.
They help in resolving conflicts, networking, and establishing rapport with colleagues and clients.
Employees with good interpersonal skills are often seen as approachable and trustworthy, improving team collaboration and overall morale .
By cultivating these soft skills, individuals can improve their workplace effectiveness and increase their potential for career advancement.
Soft skills not only enhance personal performance but also contribute to a positive, productive, and harmonious working environment.
13. Positivity
This might feel like a strange one, but positivity is actually really important in the workplace.
It doesn’t mean not taking situations seriously, or not dealing with negative outcomes or challenges. It’s a state of mind shift.
You use positivity skills when you:
- stay calm in stressful situations
- look for answers to problems
- have a can do attitude
All of these skills are very much sought after from employers.
Easy ways to improve soft skills
Remember, we have a complete guide on how to improve soft skills in the workplace.
But as a wrap-up, here are some easy ways to improve your soft skills:
- Practice active listening – Focus fully on conversations, avoid interruptions, and summarise what others say to show understanding.
- Seek feedback – Ask colleagues or managers for constructive feedback on areas like communication, teamwork, or leadership.
- Join group activities – Participate in team projects, clubs, or social groups to improve collaboration and interpersonal skills.
- Read regularly – Read books or articles on emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and critical thinking to gain insights.
- Set personal goals – Focus on specific soft skills you want to develop, like time management or adaptability, and track your progress.
- Observe good communicators – Watch how effective communicators present themselves and adapt their techniques into your own style.
- Take responsibility for mistakes – Acknowledge errors and learn from them, showing your problem-solving and accountability skills.
- Attend workshops or training – Participate in courses or workshops focused on leadership, conflict resolution, or emotional intelligence.
- Embrace new challenges – Step out of your comfort zone by taking on new roles or tasks to build adaptability and resilience.
- Practice empathy – Try to see situations from others’ perspectives to improve your emotional intelligence and interpersonal relationships.
By incorporating these small changes, you can steadily improve your soft skills in everyday work situations.
Improving skills in the workplace
When you’re looking to improve your skills, it can be hard to know where to begin.
Hopefully, your place of work is supporting your needs and offering training content that allows you to develop and progress.
Hosting this content in an LMS is the best way to track your competencies and progress through mandatory and additional learning.
Want to learn more about our Learn LMS and the features it offers?
We wrap up how you can create more tangible learning experiences and boost skill development. Book a demo of our platform to see how.