We may not know exactly what the post-COVID work landscape will be like, but here’s what we do know: the way we work is changing.
To meet the needs of a market in flux, workers may have to rebrand themselves and redefine their skill set. This can not only help you retain your current position, but it will also attract the attention of prospective employers if, indeed, you are looking for a new job.
There’s been a fundamental shift in the way that we work and how organizations are running daily operations. The truth is, the workplace looks radically different than it did six months ago, and it’s unlikely there’s any going back.
Along with seismic shifts in workplace infrastructure, we’re also seeing a massive reallocation of labor and skills—the biggest, in fact, since World War II. That’s why improving both your hard and soft skills are equally crucial for success in a post-COVID workplace.
Soft skills—that is, personality traits that can help you optimize your workplace performance—are just as crucial as hard skills, aka, your technical abilities. With a roster of hard and soft skills, you’ll be ready for whatever the future may bring.
Soft Skills in the Post-COVID Workplace
- Communication. Effective communication is more critical than ever, especially if you or your team are working remotely. Good communication is vital for efficiency and healthy, productive working relationships.
- Resilience. The past months have been hard for everyone. That’s why having a resilient workforce is key to present and future success. Employees who feel supported by their leadership and who take the time to care for themselves mentally, physically, and emotionally will be better equipped to handle workplace hardships.
- Coachability. There has been a steep learning curve for employers and employees alike under COVID. There have been, and continue to be, times when everyone gets it wrong. That’s why coachability is such an important trait. The ability to receive and adapt to feedback is essential for workers in such an unprecedented time.
- Adaptability. Similarly to coachability, adaptability involves the ability to roll with the punches. It also means being flexible and open to change at a time when uncertainty abounds. Adaptability is a highly desirable skill and one that should be cultivated.
- Emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence might not seem like the most obvious workplace skill, but the ability to regulate not only one’s own emotions but to be able to read the emotional signals of others go a long way in a high-stress work environment.
Hard Skills
Here are a couple of highly marketable skills that have come to the forefront amid the pandemic:
- Data analytics. At a time whenever everyone is crunching the numbers and trying to figure out how to make ends meet, an employee who can analyze raw data is an invaluable addition to the team.
- Digital marketing. If you specialize in search engine optimization (SEO) or search engine marketing (SEM), you’re well-positioned for the post-COVID market. As digital and mobile marketing are essential marketing strategies, the ability to run a successful digital campaign is more valuable than ever.
My Annapolis Office provides flexible office solutions for businesses, remote workers, and freelancers in all industries. Reach out today to learn more about how we can support your success.
