New workplace priorities

Phillipus Josef
  • 2 Weeks Ago
In today’s competitive job market, soft skills are essential for success in the workplace. In Namibia, employers are placing greater emphasis on these skills – such as communication and adaptability – as they are vital for promoting collaboration, innovation and efficiency in professional settings.

According to an article by The Namibian newspaper in 2023, the ability to collaborate effectively, communicate clearly and adapt to new challenges is becoming just as important as technical expertise.

Communication and teamwork

Dr Wilfred Gaoseb, an HR consultant, in an interview published in New Era in 2021, stressed that communication is vital for aligning team goals and ensuring smooth project execution.

"Employees who can articulate their ideas effectively tend to excel in leadership roles and foster positive work environments.

Leake Hangala, a businessman, pointed out the importance of emotional intelligence during a vocational graduation ceremony in 2022.

"Understanding and managing emotions – both one's own and others' – is a fundamental skill that distinguishes high-performing employees," he said.

Effective communication is the foundation of any successful team. It enables clear goal-setting and alignment across roles, Hangala added.

Problem-solving and initiative

Employers also value problem-solving skills and initiative.

Furthermore, a 2020 Namibian Sun article explained that Namibian businesses are looking for workers who can identify challenges and suggest workable solutions.

A study by Namibia's Institute for Public Policy Research found that 78% of employers prioritised employees who demonstrated initiative and resourcefulness.

“It’s not enough to identify a problem – you must bring practical solutions to the table," an employer explained.

Addressing skills gap

Despite advancements in education, a significant mismatch exists between graduates’ skills and market demands.

According to The Namibian (2022), the private sector must collaborate with educational institutions to bridge this gap, emphasising soft skills alongside technical training.