Top skills employers are looking for in 2025

With a new year almost upon us, the holiday period is the perfect time to identify workplace skills you want to build on in 2025.
So, what are some of the top skills that employers are looking for in 2025?

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence refers to the ability to process sophisticated information about the emotions of yourself and others. Those who are emotionally intelligent use this information to guide their thinking and behaviour. Emotional intelligence is made up of several components including self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy and social skills.

74% of executives say that emotional intelligence is a must-have skill.

Research indicates those with higher emotional intelligence:

• Demonstrate better job performance
• Perform more vital teamwork
• Have superior leadership skills.

Creativity

Creativity refers to the ability to think innovatively. Creative workers approach workplace problems using unique perspectives.

Studies have indicated that hiring managers perceive creativity as essential to economic growth. This is because as technology replaces process driven work, human ingenuity is more important than ever. As machines take over routine tasks, creativity becomes essential for problem solving, negotiating complex challenges and developing new products and services.

LinkedIn has identified creativity as the soft skill most in demand by employers.

Cross Cultural/Generational communication

Cross-Cultural/Generational communication refers to the exchange of information between people from different cultural groups.

Globalisation and the increased diversity of workplaces has made it more important than ever before to be able to communicate with people of different languages, beliefs, values, norms and cultural practices and behaviors.

With more people working later in life, it is also increasingly common for workplaces to consist of workers from two or three different generations. Therefore, it is important to avoid stereotyping colleagues who may be from a different generation.

Digital Literacy

Technological advancements are leading to massive shifts in the roles available and how people perform them. 1 in 4 workers say they require digital skills to perform their role while 1 in 5 employers say their employees’ digital skills are outdated. Reflecting the desire of employers for greater digital skills, universities are re-designing their curriculums to place a greater emphasis on digital skills. The demand for digital skills is only projected to grow. It’s estimated that by the end of the decade, two-thirds of jobs will require digital skills.

Data analysis

Data analysis refers to the ability to examine, interpret, and derive insights from large datasets to inform decision-making and drive business strategies. Data analysis skills have increased in demand due to several factors including:

• Widespread digital transformation
• Technological advancements in big data and AI
• Growing skills gap

Artificial Intelligence and machine learning

This involves the ability to understand and program AI systems. Many businesses see AI implementation as critical to maximizing efficiency and economic growth.

Digital Collaboration

With the rise of remote work, being able to communicate with colleagues online is increasingly vital. The global market for digital collaboration tools is expected to reach $42 billion by 2026.

Employees are now expected to be proficient in various online platforms that facilitate digital teamwork.

Adaptability & Resilience

Adaptability refers to the ability to adjust quickly to new situations, technologies, and job requirements, while resilience is the capacity to bounce back from setbacks and maintain effectiveness in the face of challenges.

In today’s rapidly changing work environment, being able to adapt to change is more important than ever. As technology develops, workers must be able to evolve their skills.

By developing these skills and others, you will go a long way to achieving your career goals in 2025.

Are you unsure where to take your career next? Public Service Resumes is pleased to offer various services, including career development coaching.