Employees will need these 5 skills in the post-pandemic workplace

While there have been plenty of disruptions to workplace status quos, none have been as massive as the effect of the pandemic on the workforce.

COVID-19 has upended modern working norms and dramatically changed nearly every aspect of the world of work. With the vaccine rollout underway and the economy picking up steam, organizations are readjusting their workforce to drive productivity, innovation and growth.

But their latest challenge is attracting workers back into the workforce.

Organizations large and small have undergone changes that have reshaped where and how they do work, and in turn, the skills employers sought pre-pandemic have taken on new meaning as businesses plan to reemerge.

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An important first step for business leaders is to reflect on how their needs or organizational structure has changed and to recognize what will be needed from their talent to sustain new models. Hiring managers will need to reassess their approach to recruiting and retaining employees, as well as growing their talent base with the right skill set for their organization.

Whether it is the need for a flexible workforce that can seamlessly transition within a hybrid environment, or perhaps adaptable employees that can succeed within an evolving workforce, organizations can consciously set themselves up with a focus on the future, starting with the recruitment process.

Working during the pandemic has been a bumpy road and resumes are likely to reflect the ups and downs workers experienced as a result of lockdowns, reopenings and the changing economy. Yet, it is times like these that have the potential to offer the biggest opportunity for the workforce. In some cases, workers were forced to get creative by taking on new roles, while others chose to use the pandemic lockdown to learn new skills.

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This constantly evolving set of circumstances left many workers more confident than when the pandemic started. Employees are now equipped with new skills employers will be looking for.

A mind for problem-solving
Problem-solving is a skill many hiring managers have historically prioritized; however, the pandemic’s impact on the workforce placed a much greater emphasis on solution-oriented individuals. When the pandemic hit, employers and business owners found themselves in untraversed situations that required fast, strategic solutions with “all hands on deck” support to keep the business running. Employees who demonstrated a leadership approach to problem-solving showed a vested interest in the business. They remained inquisitive and challenged the why versus simply completing the task at hand. Looking ahead, the workforce is likely to continue to experience bumps along the way, yet this curious, owner-like mindset will remain a top skill for the workforce.

Experiences that thrive
While transferable skills bring relevance to a candidate’s past experiences, from an employer’s perspective, these experiences offer insight into how a candidate could thrive at work. The challenges of the pandemic presented new opportunities and perhaps may have even uncovered new areas where workers excel.

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An ability to inspire trust
The pandemic unveiled the need for trust and collaboration among employers and employees. The efficacy of remote work and accountability from the employee, paired with the support of the employer was rooted in the concept of mutual trust during this trying time. As the workforce moves forward and new forms of collaboration and how work gets done become the norm, it will be imperative that employees have the ability to inspire trust in their daily interactions at work. While often overlooked in the recruitment process, this skill will only help to strengthen a team and workforce.

A service-driven mentality
A service-driven mindset continues to lead as an important skill in today’s world of work. The ability to put others before oneself in work and life can drive worker connections. Those who prioritize the needs of others above their own possess an important, universal skill regardless of their industry or role. Having a service-driven mentality can impact interactions among employees, colleagues, clients and customers – offering a positive, lasting effect on work.

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An affinity for building relationships
Building strong, enduring relationships has never been more of a priority – especially as businesses look to reunite, and in some cases, rebuild in a post-pandemic environment. How an employee can interact and foster professional relationships can be a powerful skill to promote sponsorship and advocate for others and the work at hand.

In navigating the road ahead, employers need a strong talent base that can help them adapt to new realities and position the business on stronger footing for the future. These skills, forged during a period of transformation, will help organizations emerge stronger, primed to solve new challenges and reach greater heights.