Top 10 transferable skills in 2024

In 2024, the future of work is looking a lot like your favourite buffet. There’s a little bit of everything, and if you’re not versatile, you might just end up with something weird on your plate. Whether you’re working with AI, remote teams, or just trying to figure out who’s stealing your lunch from the office fridge, transferable skills are key. 

Here are the top 10 you’ll need to succeed (and look good while doing it)!

1. Adaptability and Flexibility

If the past few years taught us anything, it’s that change is the new normal. You’ll need to stay calm when things go sideways because they will go sideways. From learning new software overnight to shifting between roles like a chameleon, flexibility is a must.

Why it matters: In 2024, being rigid is as useful as a chocolate teapot. The World Economic Forum ranked adaptability as one of the key future-proof skills needed in a rapidly changing job market.

Quick tip: When something changes, don’t freak out, roll with it. Employers love a “go-with-the-flow” attitude.

2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Every workplace has problems, some bigger than others. Being the one who can actually solve those problems, rather than just staring at them, makes you a workplace hero.

Why you need it: A LinkedIn survey found that problem-solving was one of the top skills employers actively seek, with 91% saying they look for candidates who demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities.

If you’re feeling unsure about how to build your creative thinking and problem-solving skills, Janet’s “Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills” can guide you through the practical steps. Enrol NOW!!!

3. Communication Skills

If you’ve ever had a coworker completely misinterpret your email, you know why communication is critical. In 2024, with remote work sticking around, knowing how to say exactly what you mean is a must.

Pro tip: Keep it short, clear, and free of unnecessary jargon. Make sure your written tone matches your message. Avoid accidentally sounding annoyed or too formal in an email meant to be friendly.

Why it’s key: Remote work means more written communication, and things can get lost in translation fast. Knowing when to pick up the phone instead of firing off a cryptic email can save time and relationships.

Bonus: Strong communicators can resolve conflicts faster, which means fewer awkward team meetings. A study from Harvard Business Review shows that teams with strong communication skills are 50% more likely to perform better.

Need a boost in communication? Check out Janet’s Communication courses. You’ll learn the art of clear and concise communication, plus how to master remote conversations without awkward misunderstandings!

4. Leadership and Team Collaboration

No, you don’t have to be a manager to show leadership. Guiding your team through chaos, or even just suggesting where to get lunch, is leadership material. And collaboration? That’s just fancy talk for “playing well with others.”

Why it’s important: Remote teams are the new normal, and leading from your couch is an art form. According to McKinsey, companies with strong collaborative cultures are 5 times more likely to achieve high performance.

Collaborate like a champ: Instead of saying, “I think we should do it this way,” try, “Let’s brainstorm together!” People love it when you care about their ideas.

5. Emotional Intelligence

Imagine getting through a stressful meeting without wanting to flip a table. That’s emotional intelligence in action, keeping cool, understanding your team’s vibes, and knowing how to calm situations without setting everything on fire.

Why it’s a big deal: According to TalentSmart, emotional intelligence (EQ) is responsible for 58% of job performance across industries. EQ is often what sets apart top performers.

Pro tip: The next time a project’s going off the rails, don’t yell. Instead, say, “Let’s all take a breath” even if you’re secretly screaming inside.

6. Digital Literacy

If you’re still figuring out how to change your Zoom background in 2024, you might be in trouble. With so much tech involved in our daily lives, you’ve got to stay sharp or at least know how to Google the answer quickly.

The bare minimum: Understand the basics, email, spreadsheets, video calls without needing to ask IT for help again. A PwC report revealed that 77% of workers will need new digital skills in the next five years.

Bonus points: Learning a bit of coding or staying updated on the latest apps will make you look like a tech genius. Just don’t call yourself a “guru.” Please.

Struggling to keep up with the digital demands of today’s workplace? Janet’s “Essential IT Skills” course is perfect for mastering all the tools you need, from Zoom wizardry to advanced collaboration techniques!

7. Time Management

Time management is like trying to squeeze toothpaste back into the tube, hard, but necessary. Between juggling tasks, meetings, and remembering to drink water, managing your time in 2024 is key.

Top trick: Use time-blocking. If it works for CEOs, it’ll work for you. (Also, maybe stop scrolling on Instagram during work hours. Just saying!)

Why it’s important: Forbes suggests that employees who excel in time management are 25% more likely to be successful in their careers.

8. Creativity and Innovation

In 2024, thinking creatively isn’t just for artists or marketers. Every industry wants someone who can say, “Wait, what if we tried this?” It’s about finding new ways to solve old problems or coming up with ideas nobody else thought of.

Best part: You don’t need to be a mad genius. Start by questioning how things are done and look for better solutions. Simple tweaks can turn routine work into innovation gold.

Why it matters: A World Economic Forum report shows creativity will be one of the top skills needed in 2025, especially with automation taking over repetitive tasks. It’s the humans who think outside the box that will keep businesses ahead of the curve.

Real talk: According to Adobe’s State of Create Report, 82% of businesses believe that creativity leads to better business results.

Ready to unleash your creativity at work? Janet’s “Creative Thinking and Innovation” course will guide you through practical ways to spark innovation and make your ideas stand out, even if you’re not naturally the “creative type.”

9. Negotiation and Persuasion

Whether you’re asking for a raise or convincing your team to follow your lead, being persuasive (without being annoying) is a valuable skill in 2024. You don’t need to channel your inner lawyer, but a little charm and logic go a long way.

Quick trick: Frame things in a way that shows benefits for everyone. People are more likely to agree if they think they’re winning, too. For example, instead of saying, “I want a raise,” try, “Here’s how my work has increased company revenue by 15%, I’d love to discuss aligning my compensation with that growth.”

Why it’s needed: Negotiation is more than just about salaries. It’s about influencing outcomes, getting buy-in on your ideas, and resolving conflicts without a meltdown. Research from Harvard Law shows that successful negotiators are often the ones who can balance assertiveness with empathy, making everyone feel heard.

Want to level up your negotiation game? Janet’s Negotiation courses are a must-do for you! They break down strategies that’ll have you closing deals and getting what you want, without coming off as pushy.

10. Cross-cultural Competency

With global teams becoming more common, understanding different cultures is a must. Cross-cultural competency is all about knowing that what’s cool in one place might be a major no-no somewhere else.

Tip: Learn to pronounce your colleague’s name correctly, ask about their customs, and don’t assume everyone celebrates Taco Tuesday.

Why it’s key: A Deloitte study found that diverse teams are 35% more likely to outperform non-diverse teams. Having cross-cultural competency is what makes this collaboration work.

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