Soft Skills are just as important in the workplace but are so often left to chance or taken for granted that people know. We all have to learn them somewhere!

It isn’t widely known, but a big part of the Government funding for apprenticeships must be allocated to soft skills training to develop a more productive and resilient workforce. This is because Government and employers alike are realising just how much of an effect poor soft skills are having on workplace productivity and employee wellbeing.

There’s no shame in needing to learn more soft skills, yet society has almost made it so.  This means that people shy away from soft skills training, almost seeing it as an insult, that they don’t need it, or that they will lose face if they admit to needing to learn more.  It is particularly difficult if in leadership or management to accept soft skills training offered to you.  However, it’s the sign of a mature and emotionally intelligent leader who sets that example and visibly embraces their own personal learning alongside their team.

Looking at what is currently happening in our workplaces and society… mental health challenges have increased, resilience has dropped and understanding of relationship building is at an all time low.  Soft skills learning is at the core.  Training on them isn’t just an ideal, there is no question that people, particularly young people, but all people, including ourselves, need that ongoing holistic support and we are pleased that it is a big part of the Government agenda.  Without it, more people will struggle to get into work, stay in work, or build meaningful and functioning relationships whilst they are there and workplace productivity and employee wellbeing will continue to fall.  Without exception, we can all get better at soft skills!

We were very interested to see the announcement on the 17^th July that the voting age in the UK is going to be lowered to 16.  There will certainly be a mixed reception to this up and down the country but, is it about age, or is it about being well informed, well-rounded and community minded which all of us can be if we proactively keep learning. We know that our soft skills training, along with that of all Government funded training providers, is contributing to shaping team spirited, empathetic working individuals with a holistic care for society.  Yes, we really do go that far with our soft skills training!

Soft skills learning at Swarm Training covers:

–       – Safeguarding for individuals and looking out for each other
– Presentation skills
– Study skills and taking responsibility and accountability for our own personal development
– British values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance
– Communication skills and relationship building
– Workplace professionalism
– Online safety and being vigilant to research what is actually true
– Conflict and resilience management
– Interview skills and personal branding
– Healthy lifestyles
– Time management

Soft skills are often undervalued in comparison to the hard skills of role specific needs.  In leadership and management, of course, soft skills are very definitely a role specific need!  But at all levels, without them, you risk a significant negative impact on workplace harmony and productivity.

What specifically do they achieve…

1. Improved Communication
– reduces misunderstandings, rework, and delays. Teams with strong communication skills collaborate more effectively, speeding up decision-making and delivery.

2. Better Teamwork and Collaboration
– employees who work well with others can share responsibilities and support one another, leading to faster and higher-quality outcomes. It fosters a positive team culture, boosts morale, retention and avoids destructive siloes. The soft skills of leaders is crucial in driving this!

3. Higher Adaptability and Problem-Solving
– employees with adaptability and problem-solving skills can adjust quickly to change which is a natural part of any business environment, keeping productivity high even under pressure.

4. Stronger Leadership and Initiative
– managers with emotional intelligence and leadership skills motivate teams more effectively making sure that everyone belongs and has a part to play in the team.  This in turn nurtures strong and stable relationships and culture.  Not only that but when people feel part of the team, employees with soft skills take initiative knowing the part they play, reducing the need for micromanagement. A team leader also then prevents burnout by recognising stress in team members and redistributing workload early

5. Better Customer and Client Relationships
– employees with empathy, listening skills, and professionalism build trust with customers—leading to smoother interactions and repeat business

6. Reduced Conflict and Disruption
– soft skills help prevent and manage conflict, maintaining workflow harmony and focus. Fewer interpersonal issues means less time spent on resolution and more time on value-adding work.

The Bottom Line for a Business

Soft skills learning enhances productivity!  It retains staff and in turn reduces costs.  They make teams more cohesive, efficient, and resilient so that everyone works smarter, enjoys developing the business together, meaning it will be way more successful.

At Swarm Training, we offer this training as a standard part of all our apprenticeship courses but actually, we also offer it standalone for workplace teams and individuals.  If you would like to know more, just drop us a line:  [email protected]