A visionary in his ideas, Vikram Wadhawan is the Founder and CEO of Vasitum. A firm believer of “don’t preach if you can’t deliver”, Vikram is spearheading the business with his innovative strategies and growth-oriented skills and abilities. Starting his journey in 2001, Vikram took a plunge into entrepreneurship in 2004, turning into a serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of senior-level management experience now. His entrepreneurial projects started in the corporate training industry, which drove him to form Maven Workforce in 2008, a leading recruitment &executive search firm. He led leadership teams responsible for advancing the operational performance and profitability of the firm.
COVID-19 is transforming the working landscape around the globe. The pandemic has given a severe jolt to the recruitment industry, but hiring continues. It has forced organizations into perhaps the most substantial social experiment of the future of work in action, with social distancing and work from home policies radically changing the way we work and interact. This impact on employment is far more profound than just changing where people work; it also fundamentally alters what work is performed and how we perform it.
As novel job opportunities begin to emerge, the workplace environment is evolving, and also, the skills required by the companies. Here are the skill sets hiring managers are looking for at this present scenario-
Adaptability and Flexibility
Being flexible and adaptable is something we have all had to get used to over the last few months. But it’s also a necessary skill that every hiring manager will be keeping an eye out for.
As businesses worldwide see a stark surge in the number of employees being able to work from home, this new way of working will likely last even after the pandemic passes. Being flexible in work was once aligned with geographic mobility, but now it is about being able to work well under pressure, having an open mindset, adjusting to new and unexpected deadlines, and, in some cases taking on additional responsibilities. It will make people with the skill to adapt quickly to changes, a great value to their workplaces.
Tech Savviness
To acquire technology skills is one of the best ways to prepare yourself for a post-coronavirus-world. The outbreak has accelerated the desperate need for specialist digital skillsets to help businesses become more aligned with today’s myriad technologies and platforms. One should have a solid working knowledge of data literacy, big data, computer programming, the Cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and more, will help catapult your profile above the rest.
Currently, you need to be comfortable with these tech agents as well as be able to work with them productively. It is therefore essential that people develop an aptitude to learn new technologies and develop the skill to use emerging tools in their work effectively.
Communication Skill
During the pandemic recovery phase, brand messaging and communication skills will be in high demand across industries.
As the companies embark on a new business chapter after the coronavirus crisis has passed, brands will have to transform their messaging to meet the new mindsets and unique needs of their clients and consumers. At such a scenario, people with content strategy, creative writing, and concise digital copywriting skills will be required to provide transparent, personalized information, to drive brand re-engagement.
Leadership
When a ship is in trouble, only an able captain can sail it through hydraulic tides. During this time of crisis, people with strong leadership qualities are required by hiring managers who can lead a team to success.
The gig economy is only going to thrive post coronavirus, and people will be working in more fluent teams and diverse environment. Therefore, professionals with profound skills in leadership, including how to bring out the best and inspire teams as well as promote collaboration, will be in demand.
Emotional Intelligence
Closely connected to leadership is another skill that is even more valuable in uncertain and challenging times: Emotional Intelligence (EQ). To have good emotional intelligence is to be aware of, and demonstrate empathy for, others’ emotions and behaviours which is crucial, especially when people are feeling uneasy. At times when people might feel uncertain about their job and the future of their business, it is critical to connecting with people on an emotional level. Individuals with strong EQ will be yearned by organizations of all sizes and in all industries.
Creativity and Innovation
Machines and digital technologies are taking on roles in analytics and business operations, but however, human beings are still unique in being able to think outside the box.
Creativity is essential across every industry and sector. In the present scenario, the business landscape is evolving rapidly. For example, anyone aspiring to work in the business will need to be able to tap into their creative mindset to steer a business through several challenges and opportunities. Human ingenuity is required to invent, dream up new products and ways of working. Therefore, making human creativity an essential factor.