As AI and automation take over more routine admin tasks, the human factor (our ability to think critically, ask the right questions, and make sound decisions) has never been more important. Employers can no longer rely on task volume to measure a person’s value. Instead, impact on the top line, bottom line, and overall productivity is the key benchmark. That impact is driven by soft skills: the often unseen but always essential qualities that fuel organisational growth.
The Growing Importance of Soft Skills for Employers in the Modern Workplace
5 minutes
November 28, 2025 - 3:46 AM
Why Soft Skills Are Now Business-Critical
From connecting with clients to navigating change and driving innovation, soft skills like communication (kōrero), empathy (manaakitanga), resilience, and leadership (mana whakatipu) are indispensable across Aotearoa’s workplaces. A recent global report shows that employers across industries are increasingly prioritising resilience, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking as AI reshapes roles. In our Navigating a Candidate Rich Market article, we explore how hiring managers are awash with applications yet still struggle to find balanced candidates. Equally, our The Soft Skills Machines Can’t Replace piece highlights that while AI excels at data processing, it lacks ethical judgment, whakaaro nui, empathy, and human insight.
Core Soft Skills Valued in 2025
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: AI handles routine work, but complex issues still need human brains to analyse, question and decide. Employers measure this through business growth, whether that’s profit, productivity or innovation.
- Adaptability and Resilience: With shifting markets and evolving work (mahi) models, employees who change gear quickly and bounce back bring agility and continuity.
- Communication and Collaboration: High-functioning teams rely on effective communication and strong whanaungatanga (connection and rapport) especially in hybrid or remote setups.
- Emotional Intelligence and Empathy: Inclusive workplaces with psychological safety require leaders and teams who tune into people’s needs and feelings. Learn more by reading our What is Neurodiversity and Why Does it Matter for Employers? article.
Hiring and Developing Soft Skills
1. Measuring soft skills:
- Use behavioural interview questions and ask for real-world examples of challenge, conflict resolution or decision-making.
- Bring in multiple interviewers to cross-check insights.
- Work with recruitment professionals like Adecco who are skilled at uncovering both technical capability and human attributes.
2. Preparing your teams:
- Refer to Preparing for Interviews: A Guide for Employers, a practical checklist for soft skill assessment.
- Hiring for soft skills only starts the journey. Developing them internally is essential. Investing in training, coaching, or mentorship builds resilience, boosts engagement, strengthens retention, and elevates long-term performance.
Partner with Aotearoa’s Recruitment Experts
At Adecco New Zealand, we don’t just fill job roles. We help you place and grow people who make a difference. Impact stems from both skill and heart, from expertise and mana motuhake. Whether you're aiming to strengthen your frontline teams or recruit future leaders, we have the insight to spot the human qualities that drive performance, loyalty, and sustained success.Discover more insights:
- Skill-Based Hiring and AI: How NZ Employers Can Win the Talent Crunch in 2025
- Fostering a Culture of Care: Mental Health and Inclusivity in the Workplace