New Professional Skills Job Seekers Need Now

Recently, LinkedIn Learning analyzed which of its online courses are in high demand by professionals trying to keep pace with the ever-changing future of work in a post-COVID era.

According to the findings from LinkedIn Learning’s Head of Global Content Strategy, the data sheds light on what’s top of mind when it comes to entering a new era of work:

CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY ARE VITAL TO OUR HAPPINESS AND WELL-BEING

Since COVID, LinkedIn has seen a 1,100% increase in people coming together in “learning groups” to acquire new skills. Gen Z is also taking to social learning, the highest rate for any generation, with a 1,378% growth since the onset of COVID[1].

An interesting takeaway from LinkedIn’s learnings is the need for human connection; when that is not possible, a social connection and a feeling of belonging becomes even that much more critical during this “new normal.” For example, LinkedIn shares how employees are beginning to feel less connected to their leaders[2].

Prior to COVID, many wouldn’t have thought of online learning as a tool to connect with others. However, as more professionals continue working from home and new college graduates enter the workforce, online learning has evolved beyond just a means to learn to become a means of belonging and connecting with others.

Based on recent data, certain skills are now considered necessary like:

• Emotional intelligence
• Effective listening
• Communication
• Critical thinking to challenge the status quo

PRIORITIZING SELF-CARE HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT

With so many working from home, it’s become even more important to establish boundaries. This is especially true for parents who are juggling their kids remote learning with their own day-to-day work. Now that there are even more distractions, honing time management skills is top of mind for many who want to be effective at work but also need to prioritize self-care for some sense of normalcy.

Whether carving out time in the day to get a workout in, take a walk, enjoy lunch, etc., it’s critical to establish boundaries. This is made evident given the spike in LinkedIn Learning courses, related to:

• Being more productive remotely
• Creating a work-life balance
• Better communication virtually

LEARNING TRENDING SKILLS WILL BE CORE TO NAVIGATING A TOUGH, DYNAMIC JOB MARKET

The pandemic has really impacted the global job market. In the United States, one in five Americans have filed for unemployment[3]. Employers are in need of employees who are flexible and able to transfer their skills to other areas of the business, especially as companies are laying staff off or experiencing hiring freezes.

Professionals feel the pressure to sharpen their hard skills to maintain a competitive edge in the workforce. Skills for Excel® and project management are big right now. In addition to sharpening skills, professionals are also upskilling – learning a new skill aimed at being more effective and efficient at work.

During these tough, unpredictable, and unprecedented times, it could be a great opportunity to enhance or learn a new skill. Not only will it help professionally, but it can help provide an outlet to feel productive while also connecting with others during this transition to a “new normal,” whatever that may be.

[The above highlights LinkedIn’s findings which were featured in a recent article by Fast Company.]