--- title: The Top Skills Needed to Thrive in 2022 description: Workplace upskilling is a significant trend in 2021. The World Economic Forum estimates that half of all employees will have to reskill in the next 5 years. image: https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Email%20Banner%20(2).png --- [![OpenLearning Logo](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f6fb7cbdbe1b69641ddf9fe/5f71c1cd44fb7b7354aed8e9_Open%20Learning%20Logo.webp)](https://blog.openlearning.com) - Educators - Get Inspired Curated content to help you create, market and deliver world-class education. - [Beginner Course Creators](https://blog.openlearning.com/openlearning-blog-beginner-course-creators?hsLang=en) - [Employee Onboarding and Training](https://blog.openlearning.com/onboarding-training?hsLang=en) - [Marketing Your Course](https://blog.openlearning.com/marketing?hsLang=en) ![icon-1](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/icon-1.png) - [Downloadable Resources](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/bufc4bjkqmflegwai5t3s/ADOkkCFNU1LsxShHdPOz7ss?rlkey=e0ne00og4hp6ux1ut6wvomh9l&st=zfyrc58o&dl=0) Templates to help you plan and manage your online course project. ![Nav_Icon_2](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/Nav_Icon_2.svg) ![external-link-alt-regular](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/external-link-alt-regular.svg) - [Workshops and Webinars](https://solutions.openlearning.com/events?hsLang=en) Browse upcoming events and access on-demand webinars. ![Nav_Icon_3](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/Nav_Icon_3.svg) ![external-link-alt-regular](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/external-link-alt-regular.svg) - [Lifelong Learners](https://blog.openlearning.com/learners?hsLang=en) - [Product Updates](https://blog.openlearning.com/tag/updates) - [Subscribe](https://blog.openlearning.com/#hs_cos_wrapper_module_1623683371629468) [Try it for free](https://solutions.openlearning.com/contact/sales?hsLang=en) ![search icon](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/search-regular-icon.svg) [Try it for free](https://solutions.openlearning.com/contact/sales?hsLang=en) # The Top Skills Needed to Thrive in 2022 By [Astrid Tjahja](https://blog.openlearning.com/author/astrid-tjahja) min read Share 1361 Workplace upskilling is one of the significant trends in 2021. The practical use of upskilling is tremendous. For organisations, it helps to identify current skill gaps, diversify workforce’s skills, and meet challenges that come from digitisation trends and shortages in the talent market. For individuals, it helps to upskill and reskill in response to the "double-disruption" of the economic impacts of the pandemic and increasing automation transforming jobs takes hold. ##### 💡 Did you know? [The World Economic Forum](https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/10/top-10-work-skills-of-tomorrow-how-long-it-takes-to-learn-them/) estimates that half of all employees will have to reskill in the next five years. What will be the top job skills that employers pursue in their employees in 2022? In this article, we will deep dive into the top skills of the future workforce needed to thrive in 2022. #### 1. Digital literacy Digital literacy includes a wide range of competencies: computer problem-solving skills (software and hardware), social media, communication tools, online security, and more. More businesses are embracing the use of automation and technology and its impact on software, processes and work to increase business productivity and efficiency. - - 52% percent of companies accelerated their AI adoption plans because of the Covid crisis, a study by [PwC](https://www.pwc.com/us/en/tech-effect/ai-analytics/ai-predictions.html) finds. - Just about all, 86%, say that AI is becoming a “mainstream technology” at their company in 2021. - Harris Poll, working with Appen, found that 55% of companies reported they accelerated their AI strategy in 2020 due to Covid, and 67% expect to further accelerate their AI strategy in 2021. Research by [MIT Work of the Future](https://workofthefuture.mit.edu/research-post/artificial-intelligence-and-the-future-of-work/)concludes: > ‘AI will enable new industries to emerge, creating more new jobs than are lost to the technology” Some courses to help you with your digital literacy skills: - - [UNSW - Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: In-depth Short Course](https://www.openlearning.com/unswshortcourses/courses/artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning-a-short-course/) - [Deakin University - Frontend Web Development Foundations](https://www.openlearning.com/deakin-university/courses/frontend-web-development-foundations/) - [Deakin University - Web Application Server Side Foundations](https://www.openlearning.com/deakin-university/courses/web-application-server-side-foundations/) - [UTS Open - Get Ready for Blockchain](https://www.openlearning.com/uts/courses/get-ready-for-blockchain/) - [UTS Open - What does Facebook know about you?](https://www.openlearning.com/uts/courses/what-does-facebook-know-about-you-/) - [UTS Open - Utilising Mixed Reality Technology in Education](https://www.openlearning.com/csu/courses/utilising-mixed-reality-technology-in-education/) - [AnalogLX - Online Facilitation for Educators](https://www.openlearning.com/courses/online-facilitation-for-educators) - [DeakinCo - Digital Fundamentals in a Connected World](https://www.openlearning.com/deakinco/courses/digital-fundamentals-in-a-connected-world-au) - [Venntifact - Marketing Technology Series: DMP Strategy](https://www.openlearning.com/venntifact/courses/data-management-platform-dmp-concepts-applications/) - [Venntifact - Marketing Technology Series: TMS Essentials](https://www.openlearning.com/venntifact/courses/tms-essentials/) - [ISCD - UX Design for the Digital World](https://aitopen.online/courses/ux-design-for-the-digital-world/) - [Bettina Pfaendner - Digital Competency Starter Kit](https://www.openlearning.com/courses/digital-competency-starter-kit/?cl=1) - [Temasek Polytechnic - Fundamentals of Cybersecurity and Applications](https://www.openlearning.com/temasek-polytechnic/courses/fundamentals-of-cybersecurity/) - [Temasek Polytechnic - The Internet of Things and Everything - IoT/IoE](https://www.openlearning.com/temasek-polytechnic/courses/internet-of-everything/) - [EXELIA - Artificificial (AI) skills for ICT professionals](https://www.openlearning.com/courses/artificial-intelligence-ai-skills-for-ict-professionals/) - [Azhar Nayan - Industry 4.0: Transformation towards Industry 4WRD](https://www.openlearning.com/psdc/courses/industry4wrd/) - [ICTE Solutions Australia - Optimise Technology in Learning and Play Today -Teaching Strategies in Early Childhood](https://www.openlearning.com/ictesolutions/courses/ict-in-early-childhood-education/) - [Dr Julie Lindsay - Survive and Thrive Online](https://www.openlearning.com/courses/survive-and-thrive-online/) - [UTM-MOOC - Web Programming](https://mooc.utm.my/courses/WebProgramming) #### 2. Data analytics There are two types of data: Unstructured and structured data. Unstructured data is qualitative data. They are text-heavy information such as results of surveys and sales chats, and comes in a variety of formats. Structured data is quantitative data. They are defined and searchable types of data. Research from [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2019/10/16/what-is-unstructured-data-and-why-is-it-so-important-to-businesses-an-easy-explanation-for-anyone/?sh=32cad17315f6) indicates that up to 95% of surveyed businesses admit that they need to manage unstructured data at their workplaces. The more data (structured and unstructured) organisations accumulate, the more they need analysts and specialists who can manage, process, and interpret that data. > “As more organisations embrace emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning to become more data-driven, the list of essential skills should continue to evolve so that it reflects the growing importance of data literacy as a core competency in the workforce.” > > − James Eiloart, SVP EMEA at Tableau Software. Essential skills in this category include: - - Knowledge of at least one analytical programming language like R, MATLAB, and Python; - Basics of SQL to write basic database queries; - Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; and - Practical use of popular Business intelligence (BI) software and tools. Some courses to help you with your data analytics skills: - - [DeakinCo - Developing Data-driven Marketing](https://www.openlearning.com/deakinco/courses/developing-data-driven-marketing-campaigns-au) - [DeakinCo - Insights and Trends in Data-Driven marketing](https://www.openlearning.com/deakinco/courses/insights-and-trends-in-data-driven-marketing-au/) - [Temasek Polytechnic - Big Data and Analytics in Business](https://www.openlearning.com/temasek-polytechnic/courses/big-data-and-analytics/) - [RUDN University - Introduction to Marketing Analysis and Big Data](https://www.openlearning.com/rudn/courses/marketing-analysis-big-data/) - [UTS Open - Journey through Data](https://www.openlearning.com/uts/courses/journey-through-data) - [UTM-MOOC - Data Structures and Algorithms](https://www.openlearning.com/courses/data-structures-and-algorithms-scsj-2013/?cl=1) - [CloudSwyft - Essential Math for Data Analysis](https://www.openlearning.com/cloudswyft/courses/essential-math-for-data-analysis-using-excel-online) - [CloudSwyft - Analysing Data with Microsoft BI](https://www.openlearning.com/cloudswyft/courses/analysing-data-with-microsoft-power-bi) - [CloudSwyft - Data Analysis: A Practical Introduction for Absolute Beginners](https://www.openlearning.com/cloudswyft/courses/data-analysis-a-practical-introduction-for-absolute-beginners/?cl=1) #### 3. Data visualisation and exploration Specialists in data visualisation interpret the data and organise it into meaningful information through a visual format such as dashboards, graphs, charts, tables, etc. Data visualisation is both an art and science because it requires both design skills, as well as statistical and computing skills to visualise data effectively. Data exploration involves an exploration of data content such as illustrating patterns, highlighting multiple variables, reducing complex subjects, adding customisability and easing communication. Employers are looking for the following skills in this field: - - Data visualization software like Tableau, D3.js, Google Charts, Microsoft Power BI; - Knowledge of data visualisation guidelines and best practices; - Knowledge of languages like R and Python. Some courses to help you with your data visualisation skills: - - [CloudSwyft - Analysing Data with Microsoft BI](https://www.openlearning.com/cloudswyft/courses/analysing-data-with-microsoft-power-bi) - [CS101 - Programming and Computational Thinking](https://www.openlearning.com/cs101/courses/programming/) #### 4. Knowledge of learning strategies > In today’s fast-paced society, it’s important for professionals to keep their skills up-to-date. After passing a certification exam, an employee would still engage in occasional learning activities over an indefinite period of time within that certified subject matter to maintain mastery. > > − Joe Miller, Vice President of Learning Design and Strategy at BenchPrep In this paradigm, self-learning, peer-to-peer learning, and micro-learning strategies are essential. Check out some of our curated resources [here](https://blog.openlearning.com/learners?hsLang=en) to help you make the most of your lifelong learning journey. Also, learn more about OpenCreds [here](https://solutions.openlearning.com/opencreds/opencreds-learners?hsLang=en): The micro-credential framework designed to meet the needs of the education sector, industry, and most importantly its lifelong learners. If you are an education provider, OpenLearning has developed the [Learning Design Series](https://www.openlearning.com/education/) - a series of three online, self-paced short courses aimed to explore, discuss and learn about the 21st pedagogy and learning design strategies. Join our growing 17,000 learners from around the globe in the Learning Design Series: - - [OpenLearning - Facilitating for success](https://www.openlearning.com/education/courses/active-learning-facilitation/) - [OpenLearning - Design a world-class course](https://www.openlearning.com/education/courses/design-online-course/) - [OpenLearning - Learning design basics: pedagogy into practice](https://www.openlearning.com/education/courses/instructional-design-effective-learning/)   #### 5. Soft skills needed for the future jobs With accelerating rates of automation and digitisation of working processes, the human capital (ie the human soft skills) of a business or an organisation is the key catalyst for implementing change. Therefore, the development of soft skills is imperative on employability and bringing value to workplaces. In the “Soft Skills for Business Success” report, Deloitte analysts estimated that by 2030, almost two-thirds of all occupations would be based on soft skills. Moreover, a study by McKinsey shows that up to 30% of working time could be automated by 2030. For this reason, employees should focus on human soft skills which machines can't replace, for example, coming up with innovative solutions or interpreting complex data to meaningful information. Some of the top soft skills of the future are the following: - - Problem-solving - Negotiations and reasoning - Critical thinking - Self-management: Time management, resilience, stress tolerance, and flexibility, active learning - Leadership and social influence - Collaboration and teamwork - Conflict resolution - Creativity Some courses to help you with your soft skills: - - [Laneway Education - Emotional Intelligence](https://www.openlearning.com/search/?q=leadership#:~:text=Laneway%20Education,%C2%A0%20%C2%A0%24200) - [Laneway Education - Creative and Critical Thinking](https://www.openlearning.com/laneway/courses/creative-and-critical-thinking-skills) - [Catalyst Education - Leading by Design](https://www.openlearning.com/catalyst-education/courses/leading-by-design) - [The University of Louisiana at Lafayette - DEI: The Basics Definitions and Concepts](https://www.openlearning.com/louisiana.edu/courses/dei-the-basics-definitions-and-concepts) - [Switch Education - Self Leadership](https://www.openlearning.com/switch-education/courses/self-leadership) - [Switch Education - Leading and Managing Remotely](https://www.openlearning.com/switch-education/courses/leading-and-managing-remotely) - [Switch Education - Practical Everyday Mindfulness](https://www.openlearning.com/switch-education/courses/practical-everyday-mindfulness) #### Summary To keep up with these changes, individuals can focus on the range of soft and hard skills to bring value to their organisations and stand out from the talent market. Today, we can focus on developing soft skills such as problem-solving, self-management, collaboration, and creativity. Hard skills for future employability resolves around digital literacy, data analytics and visualisations. These skills are bound to the adoption of digitisation and automation of working processes, and the decline in specific job roles. The [World Economic Forum](https://www.openlearning.com/education/courses/instructional-design-effective-learning/) indicates that soft skills could be learned in a matter of several weeks. Soft skills can be adopted simply into one's behavioural habits. Hard skills take longer to develop and master. It’s a commonly accepted fact that it takes approximately 10,000 hours to master a skill. Topics: [Professional Development](https://blog.openlearning.com/tag/professional-development) Liked this post? 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