Recent research and insights from industry leaders indicate that from 2026, human skills will become more crucial for career progression and organisational success, according to European Employment Services (EURES).
As workplaces undergo rapid technological transformation, jobseekers including foreign skilled professionals entering the new year are being urged to sharpen not only their technical expertise but also their soft skills.
Employers are increasingly prioritising traits that artificial intelligence (AI) and automation cannot easily replicate, including adaptability, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, digital fluency, and ethical judgement.
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Industry reports suggest that soft skills are emerging as a decisive factor in recruitment, particularly as generative AI tools assume routine tasks. The 2026 Global Learning & Skills Trends report by Udemy notes that organisations are investing heavily in both adaptive skills and AI fluency, recognising that technical tools alone are insufficient to drive performance. Hugo Sarrazin, president and CEO of Udemy, observed, “The organisations winning today are those treating AI adoption as both a technical and a human transformation”
Here are some of the soft skills that will define employability in 2026:
Adaptability
Adaptability remains at the top of recruiters’ wish lists as industries pivot in response to technological and economic shifts. Irmgard Naudin, global talent attraction & acquisition leader, notes that adaptability is a key criterion when assessing candidates. She emphasised that applicants must demonstrate the ability to ‘adapt to change, whether that is a digital change or otherwise… change is the new normal’.
Seun Owolabi, co-founder and head of Strategy at Propel, offered a recruiter’s perspective, noting that responsiveness often determines who gets shortlisted. She added that time-zone flexibility is critical. Candidates may have interviews at odd hours due to distributed teams, making adaptability and reliability key indicators of suitability for global roles.
“The first three people who respond make the shortlist. Those who reply hours later are already too late. That’s how fast-paced global recruitment is,” she said.
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Emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence, which is the capacity to manage one’s emotions while understanding others is increasingly recognised as a leadership essential. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, explained that “IQ without EQ is just a waste,” highlighting empathy and social intelligence as critical business skills, particularly as AI assumes more technical tasks.
Academic research supports this view, showing that self-awareness, empathy, and social competencies are central to effective leadership and team performance.
Cultural fluency closely linked to emotional intelligence was highlighted by Adeyeye. He explained that understanding cultural differences is crucial in international teams, warning that “if you only understand conversations around Chelsea or Arsenal, but your colleagues are discussing rugby, you will struggle. You must be culturally fluent.” His remarks emphasised that awareness of diverse perspectives and effective cross-cultural communication are essential for collaboration in global work environments.
Babatunde Olaifa, country head of edtech start-up GoMyCode also stressed the necessity of self-management and emotional resilience for remote success: He concluded by noting the need for cultural communication awareness and routine communication clarity when working with distributed global teams.
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Critical thinking
Critical thinking continues to be a top priority for employers seeking problem-solvers capable of navigating uncertainty. Surveys such as the Future of Jobs report highlight analytical and critical thinking as essential for organisations adapting to rapid digital disruption. Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, recently warned that AI will eliminate certain roles but emphasised that skills like critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and adaptability will safeguard careers in a competitive job market.
Digital fluency
Beyond understanding digital tools, employees must link technology with organisational goals. The Udemy report identifies AI fluency, the strategic and thoughtful use of AI tools as a core competency for 2026. Babatunde Olaifa, country head of edtech start-up GoMyCode outlined several essential components for achieving a state of digital readiness, emphasising practical proficiency in digital collaboration.
“The first one is to be virtually fluent, also being able to send emails, booking a calendar, that sort of thing. How proficient are you when it comes to project management tools and collaboration tools? How many know about Slack? Notion? It’s about collaboration. How proficient are you with your skills? If you don’t know how to master those skills, then you’re not ready.”
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Ethical judgement in the AI era
As AI becomes embedded in decision-making, ethical judgement is shifting from abstract ideal to practical necessity. UNESCO’s research on skills for the AI future highlights adaptability, ethics, and lifelong learning as essential values in the modern workplace. Leaders from Microsoft, Telefónica, and GSMA stress that ethical considerations must accompany technological adoption to ensure AI benefits both workers and society.
In general, experts globally have agreed that while technical skills remain vital, soft skills are now indispensable.
For instance, a LinkedIn study shows that the majority of employers regard soft skills as equally or more important than technical expertise. For candidates preparing CVs and interviews, the guidance from industry leaders is clear: showcasing soft skills with tangible examples such as adapting to change, leading a team through uncertainty, or applying ethical reasoning to complex decisions will significantly enhance employability in 2026 and beyond.
