56 skills everyone needs for the future world of work

New research from McKinsey Global Institute based on a survey of 18,000 people worldwide has identified 56 distinct elements of talent that will help each of us thrive in the future of work.

These are the foundation skills that can be applied across sectors and job roles. These are focussed in three broad areas: 

·       How people can add value beyond that offered by the most capable machines,

·       How to operate in a digital environment, and

·       How to adapt to new ways of working.

These skills fall into four broad categories – cognitive, digital, interpersonal, and self-leadership skills – each with 13 separate skills or attitudes and defined levels of baseline proficiency that workers need to possess. 

The research shows a clear correlation between these DELTAs (Distinct Elements of Talent) with employment rates, earnings, and job satisfaction.

However, there is no straightforward path with different deltas driving each of these metrics with self-leadership traits such as adaptability driving employment rates, but possession of the rarest attributes such as advanced digital skills were the primary drivers of income levels.

The two areas with the lowest level of competence across the 18,000 people surveyed are ‘Understanding digital systems’ (42% of respondents) and ‘Software use and development’ (39% of respondents)

Alongside these areas of technical skills development, the challenge for educators and employers is to develop self-leadership deltas such as self-awareness and goal achievement rather than focussing solely on job specific vocational skills, and to integrate these within broader professional development activities.

Applying this understanding of the evolving skills required for the future of work are what drives the constant development of our programmes at Pitman Training, it’s part of the reason why we’ve been successful education pioneers for over 180 years.

Our programmes may focus on the acquisition of digital skills but our practical learning styles develop the cognitive, interpersonal and self-management skills that prepare our students for a successful career.