Work in the 2020s: 10 essential skills for a successful career

With a new decade upon us, new requirements are also emerging for employees worldwide. The current work landscape is already largely affected by increasing digitalisation, while the COVID-19 pandemic will certainly leave its mark even after its end. One question remains though; what are the most essential skills for the new decade?

1. Culture awareness

Culture awareness is the ability to effectively interact, work and develop meaningful relationships with people of various cultural backgrounds within an organization.

2. Creativity

Developing new ideas, and applying new solutions to address existing problems will be a must-have skill for the new decade. Creativity is always highly prized.

3. Tech savviness

Having an ocean of software and new programs, It will be those who can learn to “swim in it” who will thrive. People will have to know how to use virtual reality, augmented intelligence and AI.

4. Professional brand

Employees will need to take care of their professional brand onlinem as it will become increasingly competitive to stand out in the digital marketplace.

5. Emotional intelligence

Soft skills such as collaboration and active listening, as well as focusing on the speaker’s body language and other cues, will become more valuable.

6. Storytelling

Organizing thoughts and data points into a comprehensive, holistic narrative, will be a skill every employee should have to thrive profesionally.

7. Critical thinking

Objective analysis and evaluation in order to form a judgment on a topic, will be indispensable tools for the employee of the future.

8. Agility

Employees will need to be able to handle any curveball that comes their way. Such a skill will turn an employee into a future leader.

9. Focus mastery

Focus on harnessing your concentration in order to make better short, as well as long-term decisions.

10. Communication

Interpreting information though speaking, listening and observing, will be a necessity for every employee.