The top 5 workplace skills for 2025 and how to help your people develop them

With many people development budgets being squeezed, it is even more important to invest in the development that is going to really make a difference to the growth of your business.

Whether you're a startup or a well-established company, this article, written by our People Development Manager, Jo Bristow, shares the top 5 workplace skills to focus on developing in your people in 2025, and how to go about it.

Key takeaways

• Understand why the time to develop vital workplace skills is now
• Discover the 5 workplace skills that can help drive business productivity and growth
• Learn 3 practical ways you can help your people develop each key skill

Certain skills are more critical than ever

The future of work is rapidly evolving, and with 2025 already in full swing, organisations need to be proactive in shaping the skill sets of their teams in order to remain successful and keep up. Technology is advancing, hybrid working is continuing to rise, and the global economy grows more interconnected, making certain skills more critical than ever.

Here are my top 5 workplace skills that can help you get the most out of your people in 2025:

1. Adaptability and resilience

The workplace of 2025 will continue to see constant shifts, from new technologies to changes in work culture and the economy, making adaptability and resilience vital for modern businesses. Adaptability allows people to quickly adjust to new processes, tools, and environments, while resilience is equally important to ensure they can recover from setbacks and remain motivated even when challenges arise.

Develop these skills by:

• Encouraging a growth mindset by rewarding employees who embrace change and learn from
• mistakes
• Providing training on how to handle stress, deal with failure, and maintain motivation
• Fostering a culture that views challenges as opportunities for development rather than obstacles

2. Emotional Intelligence (EI)

In an increasingly automated and virtual world, human qualities like empathy, emotional regulation, and interpersonal communication will set successful workers apart. Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to understand and manage your emotions, and recognise and influence the emotions of others. This skill helps employees navigate complex social dynamics and make sound decisions in high-pressure situations.

Develop this skill by:

• Offering workshops on active listening, conflict resolution, and emotional self-awareness
• Integrating regular feedback loops and one-on-one sessions where employees can reflect on their interpersonal skills
• Encouraging leadership development programs that emphasise empathy, compassion, and mindfulness

3. Tech savviness and digital literacy

While automation and artificial intelligence (AI) will take over many routine tasks, the human ability to understand, adapt to, and leverage technology will be invaluable. Employees need to be comfortable using new tools, platforms, and digital communication methods. It’s not just about understanding how to use software, but also understanding how these tools can impact business decisions and streamline operations.

Develop these skills by:

• Providing ongoing tech training programs, from basic digital literacy to specialised skills (e.g., data analysis and machine learning)
• Fostering a culture of continuous learning, where employees are encouraged to explore emerging technologies
• Offering cross-departmental collaborations, where employees can share their digital expertise and learn from each other

4. Critical thinking and problem solving

As automation handles more of the routine and repetitive tasks, people will be expected to focus more on solving complex problems and thinking critically. Employees must be able to analyse data and identify patterns to gain insight and make informed decisions. The ability to think outside the box and solve problems creatively will become increasingly essential in competitive workplaces.

Develop these skills by:

• Organising brainstorming sessions and workshops that challenge employees to think differently
• Promoting decision-making frameworks like the “5 Whys” or root cause analysis to hone critical thinking
• Giving employees real-world scenarios to solve, encouraging them to take initiative and collaborate on solutions

5. Collaboration and communication (including remote collaboration)

Even in 2025, collaboration will remain a core component of a productive workplace. However, the way people collaborate will likely be different, especially with more teams working remotely or in hybrid environments. Communication and collaboration skills will need to extend beyond face-to-face interactions and include proficiency in virtual platforms and misaligned work practices.

Develop these skills by:

• Offering training on effective virtual communication, including tools like Slack, Zoom, and collaborative project management software
• Establishing clear guidelines for remote work communication, emphasising responsiveness, clarity, and empathy
• Encouraging cross-departmental projects to promote team bonding and collaborative problem-solving
  

Helping your people lead the way forward

It is often the case that budget holders feel that people development initiatives are an easy thing to cut back on for quick wins, but forward-thinking organisations know that investing in your people today is an investment in your company’s success tomorrow.

As the future of work becomes increasingly dynamic and interconnected, these five skills will ensure that your people are not only equipped to meet the demands of the future but also to lead the way forward.