As artificial intelligence continues to transform the workforce, employers are beginning to place greater emphasis on soft skills, according to research from Seramount, a talent services firm that partners with more than half of the Fortune 100.  

While hiring managers continue to seek candidates who have AI skills and the ability to integrate AI into daily tasks, talent leaders say the competitive edge for applicants is moving toward uniquely human skills, such as decision-making and interpersonal communication, skills that AI can’t replace. As one chief human resource officer shares: “We keep calling them soft skills like they’re nice to have. They’re critical.”  

“We are entering a period of rapid workforce disruption, where certain skill sets may decline in value and will continue to do so over time,” says Joe Infantino, senior director at Seramount. “By developing leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, in addition to technological know-how, individuals can set themselves apart in an increasingly difficult job market.”  

Seramount’s report also examines broader forces shaping workers’ expectations and preferences and highlights opportunities for employers to skillfully balance business imperatives with a compelling employee experience. Key findings from the report include the following.  

• Hybrid and remote work remain the norm. Employees continue to expect flexible work arrangements, and they are willing to trade compensation for flexibility.  
• Employee mental health challenges continue to be a critical business issue with direct implications for productivity, costs, and turnover. One-third (32%) of employees experience moderate to high levels of burnout.  
• Societal shifts are changing how and when employees consider switching jobs. Workers who delay life milestones, such as marriage and children, report feeling less tied down to their current positions, while the gig economy offers employees short-term job opportunities with more flexibility and freedom. 

“Employers that double down on hybrid and remote work options, support for mental health, and hiring for human strengths like problem-solving and cross-functional communication will have the edge in the AI era,” continues Infantino. “Similarly, employees who master both soft skills and new technological advances will dominate the workforce of tomorrow.”