“Adulting”: Going to work. Remembering to submit your tax return. Putting out the garbage. Hoovering before the dust bunnies form their own tiny army. Almost mechanic dealings with the things that keep our daily lives ticking over. This is contrasted with the more recent rise of “humaning” on social media: Pursuing activities that define us as homo sapiens. Human beings capable of showing kindness and empathy. Human beings with quirks and flaws. Complex creatures shaped by all we’ve experienced, culture, history, life.
How does this translate to soft skills? According to McKinsey Global Institute, around 50% of current work activities could be automated by adapting existing technologies. In an age when progress is nigh on synonymous with increased automation, there is unique value to be found in the quality of being human. Being able to identify with and accommodate customers. Making them feel heard and catered to. Being able to work in a team and communicate respectfully and effectively.
There is a richness inherent in possessing attributes that neither robots nor computers can compete with, which – if properly fostered and adequately cherished – can make all the difference to a company’s longevity. As Forbes tells us:
Artificial intelligence is far from mastering critical thinking, leadership and listening skills.
According to the LinkedIn 2019 Workplace Learning Report, this year is marked by increased efforts to “identify, assess and close skill gaps”. The report highlights the demand for soft skills that are innately human: creativity, persuasion and collaboration, for instance. Including soft skills like these in recruitment processes, training opportunities and corporate culture is paramount on today’s job market.