Soft Skills Development to Help Youth Excel in the Workforce

We understand the demands and competitive nature of today’s workforce, especially for those without the proper support. That’s why we’re committed to providing youth with the necessary skills to succeed as they set forth into the job market. Soft skill development oftentimes goes overlooked as people prepare themselves for a job. However, due to the rarity of the trait, companies are now actively seeking new hires who have strong soft skills to offer.
What are soft skills?
Soft skills refer to the human behaviors that allow a person to effectively communicate, socialize, and emotionally empathize with other people. Although soft skills are strongly related to a person’s attitude and personality, young adults are still able to work on bettering these aspects within themselves. Being able to properly convey strong soft skills will put a person at an advantage over the less personable or communicative perspective hires.
Communication.
Communication is one of the most vital aspects of any personal or professional relationship. It reaches far beyond simply speaking between two people. Written skills, non-verbal cues, and body language all contribute to how a person portrays him or herself. Being able to properly dictate your feelings or ideas within a work setting will help young adults collaborate better within their team. Practicing eye contact, proper posture, and proofing emails before sending are just a few ways to improve this soft skill.
Collaboration.
Functioning efficiently in a group setting will help employees stand out no matter what field they are attempting to enter. Teamwork is all about learning how to work as a cohesive system. Accepting constructive criticism, doing one’s part, and not taking on too much of the workload are all factors that come into play. One way that young adults can build up this collaboration skill is by participating in group sports or games in their free time. Learning how to collaborate with other personalities will help them succeed in not only their job, but every aspect of their personal life.
Time-Management.
Flexibility.
The work environment is not always predicable. Oftentimes you will encounter an unexpected set back that will throw your day through a loop. This is when proper soft skill development comes in to play. Learning how to adapt to certain situations or faulty personalities will help young adults be able to integrate better into the workforce. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone on a regular basis and taking the time to understand your feelings and how you adapt to them will greatly help your flexibility at work.
Soft skill development will always be vital to a variety of people and age ranges. At Bonnie Brae, we are dedicated to helping young men develop the necessary skills to exceed in life. Soft skill assessment and development is one of the primary objectives of our Work Experience Program. Providing employment skills, basic training, and certification assistance are also provided through this critical programming. To learn more about our work experience development program, or to get involved in our organization, contact Bonnie Brae today.