Companies Want These Soft Skills in Vietnam

According to a recent survey conducted by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), 75% of employers in Vietnam prioritize soft skills when recruiting new talent. These skills drive organizational success and, ultimatley profit. Google is profitable because of their employees, soft skills AND hard skills.

• The Vietnam Institute of Human Resources Development says, 62% of employers prioritize problem-solving skills when evaluating candidates
• Adaptability has become a key asset: 59% of businesses in Vietnam prioritize adaptability and flexibility in their employees, as reported by a survey conducted by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor.
• McKinsey report "The Future of Work": the demand for social and emotional skills will increase by 24% by 2030.

Cross-Cultural Communication: As Vietnam attracts an increasing number of multinational companies and foreign investors, the ability to communicate effectively across cultures is essential. Vietnamese businesses that excel in this area often prioritize language training and cultural awareness programs for their employees. For instance, companies like Viettel Group, Vietnam's largest telecommunications company, offer language courses and cultural sensitivity workshops to enhance employees' cross-cultural communication skills.

Teamwork and Collaboration: Vietnamese businesses understand the importance of fostering a collaborative work environment. Companies like VinGroup, a leading conglomerate in Vietnam, prioritize teamwork through team-building activities, group projects, and cross-departmental collaboration. These initiatives not only enhance productivity but also promote a sense of camaraderie among employees.

Leadership Development: With the rise of startups and entrepreneurial ventures in Vietnam, leadership skills are in high demand. Companies like FPT Corporation, a prominent technology company, invest in leadership development programs to nurture future leaders within their organization. Through mentorship opportunities and leadership training workshops, employees are equipped with the skills needed to lead teams and drive innovation.

Many Vietnamese companies are really doing a great job by investing in soft skills. But we nee more soft skills, and more English/language training. By prioritizing communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and other essential soft skills, companies can cultivate a highly skilled and agile workforce capable of navigating the complexities of the modern business landscape. As Vietnam continues on its path of economic growth and development, the importance of soft skills will only continue to rise, shaping the future of its workforce and economy.

Soft skills

Soft skills have become a critical aspect in the selection and development of personnel in companies, especially in an increasingly automated and technological labor market. Empathy, communication, social skills, creativity, emotional intelligence, learning ability, or analytical thinking are particularly important in the digital environment. Currently, soft skills can multiply the value of technical profiles. This is shown in the Upsurge Jobs Report published by LinkedIn, in which 57% of the surveyed executives consider soft skills more useful than hard skills.

The soft skills that succeed in 2024

But what are soft skills? And what is the difference between soft skills and hard skills? Soft skills are non-technical skills related to character and social relationships. They are those that allow us to work in teams, manage conflicts, or better utilize our time. They become indispensable if we want to perform well in our jobs and make organizations more efficient. It is clear, therefore, that developing soft skills in employees and companies will help increase productivity and offer a great return on investment. But, specifically, what are the most demanded soft skills today?

Effective communication is crucial for collaboration and relationship-building within Vietnamese businesses. A study by the Vietnamese Human Resource Association revealed that 68% of employers consider communication skills to be the most important soft skill for their employees.

Problem-solving

In the last two years, we have faced problems and wildly unexpected events (Covid, War, Political Unrest, the rise of TikTok). That is why companies value, now more than ever, those people capable of solving them. Professionals who are solution-oriented, show proactivity, and know how to find a creative response to the problems that may arise in day-to-day operations.

According to data from the Vietnam Institute of Human Resources Development, 62% of employers prioritize problem-solving skills when evaluating candidates

Flexibility and adaptability to change

Another of the most demanded soft skills necessary to position oneself in the job market is the ability to adapt to change and have a flexible attitude. In an environment of constant change, accepting new tasks and challenges and being able to integrate new processes flexibly is a highly valued skill. This will help acquire new technologies, new roles, or responsibilities, and be capable, ultimately, of managing changing needs. Flexibility and good adaptation to change will also help work on projects with accelerated schedules.

With the pace of change accelerating in various industries, adaptability has become a key asset. 59% of businesses in Vietnam prioritize adaptability and flexibility in their employees, as reported by a survey conducted by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor.

Emotional intelligence and empathy

Being able to connect with our colleagues or employees, collaborate, and establish quality relationships is one of the most valuable soft skills for workers. Managing one's own feelings and those of others is essential to adapt to collaborative environments. In this sense, emotional intelligence and leadership go hand in hand, as therein lies the secret to being a good leader. On the other hand, empathy allows us to consider the feelings and emotions of the people we work with, and put ourselves in their place or situation. These soft skills, along with critical thinking, will help work better and generate more trust in the team.

Communication skills

Undoubtedly, communication is one of the traditionally most valued soft skills, and it will continue to be so. Being able to convey ideas, know what and how to say it, and practice active listening are vital communication skills for working or leading teams. And even more so today, when hybrid work is no longer exceptional and we must communicate through different channels and adapt to different audiences and situations.

Ethical responsibility

Professional ethics is linked to honesty, integrity, and personal values. Responsibility and ethics help inspire people, motivate them, and positively influence them. That is why it is a highly valued soft skill, even though it is not one of the easiest to detect initially. In a volatile environment, managing with integrity and ethics is essential to achieve sustainable success.

Time management skills

Knowing how to plan time, organize oneself, and be able to prioritize tasks is a very necessary quality in companies. Time management at work is key to maximizing efficiency and becoming more productive. Similarly, knowing which tasks can be delegated and which are the priorities at any given time can be crucial to making a difference and achieving professional success.

Creativity and innovation

Creativity and innovation are vital skills that allow us to go beyond conventional paths, proposing original ideas and disruptive solutions. These competencies drive progress in all areas of business, from product development to process improvement, ensuring that an organization can adapt and thrive in a constantly changing market. Fostering an environment where creativity and innovation are valued means supporting calculated risk-taking and experimentation, indispensable qualities for evolution and long-term success.

Leadership

Leadership is the ability to inspire and mobilize people towards a common vision, facilitating collaboration, driving change, and bringing out the best in each team member. A good leader not only directs but also listens and adapts, creating a work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. In today's dynamic business world, leadership includes the ability to manage diversity, foster inclusion, and promote the personal and professional development of teams.

Learning and continuous development?

In the current context marked by the rapid evolution of technology and constant changes in market structures, the ability to learn and a commitment to continuous development are essential. These skills involve intellectual curiosity, the willingness to seek knowledge, and the ability to apply what has been learned effectively. Individuals possessing these qualities tend to adapt easily to new situations and technologies, maintaining their competitiveness and relevance in the labor market.

Persistence and resilience

These soft skills are at the core of an individual's ability to face challenges and recover from setbacks. Persistence and resilience translate into the tenacity and mental strength necessary to persevere in the face of adversity, learn from mistakes, and move forward with a renewed focus and optimism. In the professional realm, these qualities are indispensable for overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term goals, even in times of uncertainty or change. Helping young people develop resilience and the ability to focus for extended periods of time are absolute necessities for businesses in Vietnam.?

Multiculturalism and global awareness

In an interconnected world, the ability to operate and collaborate effectively in multicultural contexts is more important than ever. Multiculturalism and global awareness involve understanding and appreciating cultural differences, the ability to communicate and work with people from diverse backgrounds, and awareness of the global impacts of local actions. These competencies enable professionals to lead diverse teams, foster inclusive environments, and make conscious decisions that respect the plurality of perspectives and realities in the global arena.

We live in an increasingly automated work environment where technology plays a very relevant role. But precisely because of this, there is a growing demand for soft skills, those that are not replaceable. As the McKinsey report "The Future of Work" reminds us, the demand for social and emotional skills will increase by 24% by 2030. These skills are already the engine of organizations, but they will be even more decisive in the future: workers will be able to adapt to different situations and environments, and face new challenges efficiently.