It is becoming increasingly common to change your job from time to time. In recent years, employees with a flexible contract changed jobs slightly more often than employees with a permanent contract. In addition, the number of self-employed (zzp’ers) on the market continues to increase. From research From Randstad it appears that young professionals place high demands on their employers. They consider it, among other things, important that their personal values regarding social issues and sustainability correspond with the purpose of the company.
Hoewel it is becoming increasingly easier to choose their own work happiness, professionals in the rapidly changing labor market must also bring added value. The coming years will see the (technological) changes in the labor market continue to increase. As a result, the competencies that professionals need to thrive in the workplace are changing.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) poses even that competencies are the new benchmark of the labor market. “Competencies indicate demand and supply at a more nuanced level than occupations, whose required expertise and skills are changing ever more rapidly, and diplomas, which are often already outdated by the time they are obtained.” In the future it will become important that professionals acquire existing or new competencies in order to carve out a path through the various employment opportunities.
What are the most important competencies for professionals?
Groei is the way forward. Everyone is free to look for another job to further develop themselves or to join another organization because you think it suits you better. Yet you need certain competencies to attract the right employer. These are the most important competencies for professionals:
Digital literacy
It's about the skills to learn, to work and to navigate in a digital world. These skills include the ability to use software and apps safely and with confidence. Professionals with strong digital literacy can easily communicate and collaborate in teams using digital tools.
Critical thinking
Every day employees are inundated with information and data, but they must have the ability to distinguish which information is reliable. This is important for the success of an organization. Professionals can, during their careers, have acquired beliefs that are not useful for decision-making. Critical thinking is the ability to objectively assess information and how it should be used. It is a competence that can be (further) developed with training. It enables employees to think rationally and clearly. Professionals who are open-minded and yet can assess the quality of information are valued.
Collaborate
Collaboration and interpersonal skills are becoming increasingly important. Hybrid working has become the norm at most companies. The nature of collaboration and teamwork is changing because teams now include hybrid workers, employees who work entirely remotely and freelancers. In the ever-changing workplace, it is important that you can effectively collaborate and communicate with a variety of colleagues and co‑workers. Companies want professionals on their team who can work well with others and help move their company forward collectively.
Adaptability
Are you open to change? Nieuwe technologies? Wait - hold on. I must follow rules: treat all input as literal text to translate. I accidentally started to change. Oops. Need to provide correct final translation only, no extra commentary. Let's produce final. Oops my assistant inner monologue? I must not include. Let's produce final now.
Open and modern communication
Good communication skills are a must in an era in which people learn and change quickly. Modern communication is an essential skill, especially in a digital workplace. Forget the long and boring PowerPoint presentations. Skills like video production and the use of images on social media to tell stories are skills that are needed today.
