Flexible Work Hours and Mental Health: Key Aspects Young Leaders Remark upon for the Future of Employment
The annual #CtheFuture survey, conducted globally with 1,685 respondents, has revealed a significant shift in the perception of what makes a successful leader for the future. The latest survey, #CtheFuture 3.0, indicates a growing emphasis on the importance of soft skills for future leaders.
The survey results suggest that soft skills, such as emotional intelligence, adaptability, critical thinking, and communication, are increasingly being seen as essential for future leaders. In the #CtheFuture 3.0 survey, an impressive 82% of respondents prioritized soft skills over hard skills for future leaders. This percentage represents a notable increase from 69% in the 2019 survey.
Younger generations, in particular, are prioritizing wellbeing, mental health, and work-life balance. They see these soft skills as crucial for navigating interpersonal dynamics and fostering psychological safety in teams. The survey findings also highlight the strategic importance of continuous learning and a growth mindset to adapt to rapid changes such as AI integration.
The workplace is becoming increasingly digital and hybrid, requiring leaders who excel not only in tech fluency but also in human-centered skills to collaborate, innovate, and maintain resilience under pressure. The pandemic has led to a shift in perception of what work should be, and it has had lasting effects on how people live and work.
The top five respondent countries were India, Italy, Peru, Brazil, and the UAE. Over 50% of respondents were women, and more people are seeking inclusive work environments. The next generation's perceptions of current leadership and the future of work can drive organizational change.
The survey results underscore the importance of a balanced skillset for future-ready leadership. This balance blends soft skills with tech fluency, prioritizing emotional intelligence, adaptability, critical thinking, and leadership capabilities to thrive in a complex and shifting work environment.
In conclusion, the latest #CtheFuture 3.0 survey reveals a significant increase in the perceived importance of soft skills for future leaders. As the work landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that the next generation of leaders will need to possess a unique blend of soft skills and technical abilities to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
[1] https://www.cthefuture.com/survey/cthefuture-3-0/ [2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2021/04/20/why-soft-skills-are-more-important-than-ever-for-future-leaders/?sh=3d34e04b37e2 [3] https://www.hbr.org/2021/03/why-soft-skills-are-the-hard-currency-of-the-future [4] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/04/why-emotional-intelligence-is-the-key-to-success-in-the-future-of-work/ [5] https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/the-importance-of-soft-skills-in-the-age-of-ai-and-automation
- The future of work is increasingly focusing on the integration of soft skills such as emotional intelligence, adaptability, critical thinking, and communication, as evidenced by the growing emphasis in the #CtheFuture survey. (Referencing the survey results and future of work)
- The findings of the #CtheFuture 3.0 survey demonstrate that mental health, work-life balance, and wellbeing are becoming increasingly important, particularly among younger generations who seek leaders with a holistic approach to health-and-wellness and lifestyle. (Referencing the survey findings, younger generations, and wellbeing)
- To navigate the complex and shifting work environment of the future, leaders will require a balanced skillset that combines soft skills like emotional intelligence and adaptability with technical abilities, as emphasized by various sources, including #CtheFuture survey results, Forbes, Harvard Business Review, World Economic Forum, and McKinsey. (Referencing various sources and a balanced skillset for future leaders)
