Hard Business Case for Soft Skills Training

A new research report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) demonstrates the business case for putting soft skills at the heart of an organisation's learning and talent development agenda. Using the head and heart at work: a business case for soft skills provides an evidence base that explores the value and potential of soft skills and the link with other essential components of leadership and management skills, to drive sustainable organisation performance.

The 2010 CIPD Learning and Talent Development survey uncovers a clear deficiency in employability skills for many students and school leavers unable to deal effectively with customers and to engage as productive members of the workforce. In order to help employees bridge this gap, the report reviews the evidence and builds the case around soft skills, providing a new and enduring insight into learning and development and into HR.

The research puts soft skills firmly at the heart of the skills agenda, and provides a practical insight into the issues surrounding soft skills, how they mix with technical skills and how HR can add value to the organisation. Written by Professor Eugene Sadler-Smith, a leading expert on learning and skills and an authority on soft skills from the University of Surrey, the research:

• Reviews the evidence on soft skills to bring CIPD members up-to-date
• Investigates how soft skills link with other key skills to drive business performance
• Maps and explains the different capabilities and behaviours that define soft skills
• Places soft skills in the context of learning and talent development practice
• Provides advice to the CIPD on the public policy dimension to soft skills
• Provides a comprehensive definition and description of soft skills

Dr John McGurk, CIPD Learning and Talent Development Adviser, says:

"We hope this resource can be used to inform the implementation of learning and talent development strategy, and take forward a compelling new case for soft skills. Heightened levels of unemployment, particularly among young people, show soft skills can be crucial in overcoming some of the barriers to employment.

"In a constantly changing economy, soft skills help individuals and organisations to stand out in a crowded market place and employers have a crucial role in the provision of these skills. By supporting all employees to develop their soft skills, employers are enabling them to successfully navigate the requirements, challenges and opportunities of their job role in pursuit of personal, team or organisational goals.

"Educating managers in this way is both cost-efficient and effective. We need to cement a clear plan of action into the very core of the organisation."

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