Adaptability: the most important skill in the workplace
The workplace of the future requires a diverse set of skills. Businesses need to constantly adapt to changes in technology, to market developments as well as to staff needs. This requires employees who not only have the right expertise, but who are also capable of swiftly responding to new circumstances in the way they think and act. Nine in 10 companies confirm that the adaptability of their employees has become more important. So what is it that makes this soft skill so important? And how can organisations harness this?
What does adaptability mean and why is it vital?
Adaptability is the ability to effectively respond, deal with and develop in changing, uncertain or new work situations. Our survey shows that employers find this increasingly important, mainly for the three key reasons detailed below:
- Labour shortage and labour market mismatch: With a shortage of suitable staff, employees' roles and responsibilities will become more varied. It is becoming important for business to be able to assign them more broadly.
- Fast-changing customer needs: Consumers more often expect tailored solutions and faster service.
- Growth in a competitive environment: Companies that remain agile are able to adapt more quickly to economic and social changes, thereby making it easier to maintain their competitive position.
How to appraise?
In our panel survey, 9 in 10 companies report that the adaptability of employees to new situations and tools has become more important in recent years. Interestingly, only 1 in 10 employers actually measures this adaptability.
Furthermore, it appears that organisations examine adaptability at the job interview, in job advertisements or through an assessment centre, whereas others are planning to do so in the future. This suggests that businesses are really scouting for people with forward-looking resilience.
Companies that recognise the importance of adaptability find that employees who are able to swiftly adapt integrate more easily into new roles.
How do companies strengthen the adaptability of employees?
Even though companies view the ability to adapt as an essential competence, only 44% of organisations today already run training initiatives to reinforce this crucial trait. 48% are looking to provide such training opportunities in the future.
There are also a number of other factors that facilitate the development of adaptability:
- 67% of employers recognise the importance of clear communication around change and expectations.
- 58% of them stress the importance of proper support from people managers.
- 44% believe it is important to encourage a positive outlook on change among employees.
Outlook
It should be clear: the labour market is constantly changing, which means adaptability is set to become increasingly more important. Businesses that manage to foster a culture of flexibility and actively support their employees in developing adaptability are certain to be better prepared to deal with future challenges and take up future opportunities.
More about adaptability?
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