So, what do you think is more important in today’s business environment – technical or human skills?
Whilst most jobs will require a combination, getting the balance right between technical training and developing human skills hasn’t always been that straightforward for organisations.
Deloitte’s latest survey reveals a clear difference between what employees value and what many companies currently prioritise in learning and development (L&D) programmes. The survey highlights that while 87% of employees see human skills like adaptability, leadership, and communication as essential to their career growth, only about half (52%) believe their company truly values these attributes over technical skills.
So, why should companies take note? The survey found that nearly three in five employees believe their employers focus more on immediate business needs than on providing the training necessary for long-term career growth. This short-term approach could have serious consequences: 94% of respondents voiced concerns about the next generation of workers lacking critical interpersonal and business skills. This highlights an urgent need for organisations to reframe their approach to workforce development.
Why Human Skills Matter in a Digital Age
In a world where work increasingly involves a blend of human and digital capabilities, human skills are fundamental to effective career development. When asked about the most important attributes for the future, respondents prioritised teamwork (65%), communication (61%), and leadership (56%) over technical skills like AI integration and data analysis. Interestingly, 70% of those surveyed had worked at companies that emphasised new technology skill sets, only to see those technologies fade into obsolescence.
“Organizations that overemphasize technical training at the expense of enduring human capabilities — like divergent thinking, emotional agility, and resilience — could end up impeding innovation and leaving employees ill-equipped to lead teams, adapt to market opportunities, and fully harness the potential of technology,” said Anthony Stephan, Deloitte US’s Chief Learning Officer. Stephan advocates for a “Yes AND” approach, where technical and human skills are developed in tandem to drive both innovation and adaptability in a constantly shifting landscape.
Reimagining “Apprenticeship” for Modern Workplaces
Deloitte’s survey also points to a strong desire among employees for learning experiences that are immersive and relationship-driven. Over 60% of respondents cited mentorship programs as one of the most effective ways to build meaningful connections and foster growth. Additionally, 57% expressed a preference for learning through direct observation and shadowing opportunities, indicating a shift back to traditional “apprenticeship” models — albeit modernised for today’s hybrid workplaces.
The Bottom Line: The Future is Human-Centric
Companies that want to thrive need to recognise that human and technical skills are complementary, not competing. Nearly all respondents (95%) in Deloitte’s survey agreed that human skills are “timeless,” underlining the importance of adaptability, communication, and collaboration, even as new technologies emerge.
By investing in human skills alongside technical training, organizations can build a workforce that is not only technically competent but also resilient and prepared to lead. As Deloitte’s research suggests, the future of work belongs to companies that make continuous, comprehensive learning a priority — starting with the essential human side.
