The Heart of the Matter: Understanding Hiring Demands for Social Emotional Skills is a report by the Conference Board of Canada and Future Skills Centre – Centre des Compétences futures (FSC-CCF) providing a snapshot of the hiring demand for SES and of employers’ expectations in the current job market. The following is a summary, and how our program empowers youth with these in-demand skills.
Empowering Youth with Social Emotional Skills for the Modern Workplace
In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, social and emotional skills (SES), also known as soft skills or 21st-century skills, have become necessary. These skills enable individuals to manage their own emotions and understand and influence the emotions of others, which improves effective interpersonal interactions and navigates a myriad of social contexts. The increasing automation and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in industries have only increased the need for these human-centric skills, as they are key to roles that machines cannot replicate.
The Reboot Plus Program
Reboot Plus is a youth education and career development program that targets vulnerable youth aged 17 to 24 who have not finished high school and do not have a plan for their future. The program’s holistic approach helps participants identify their values, personality, interests, and skills, meet with professionals, and develop an education and career action plan. This program promotes experiential learning, self-reflection, and helps youth envision a future filled with opportunities.
The overall goal of Reboot Plus is to provide a positive educational experience, encouraging youth to actively continue their education to prepare for meaningful careers. Participants gain “on the ground” information about the jobs and careers they are interested in, enabling them to make informed decisions about their suitability.
Understanding the Demand for Social Emotional Skills in the Workplace
The COVID-19 pandemic initially caused a decline in the hiring demand for SES, but this trend reversed quickly. By 2021, the number of job postings requiring these skills rebounded significantly. For instance, knowledge-based job postings with SES requirements increased by 36% between 2021 and 2022, and the demand continued to rise into 2023. This resurgence highlights the necessity of SES in the job market, where the ability to communicate, collaborate, and adapt is necessary.
Key SES Categories and Skills in Demand
Vicinity Jobs, a real-time big data supplier for the Canadian labour market, categorizes SES into four subgroups: people skills, personal qualities, resource management skills, and cognitive skills. Among these, interpersonal skills (such as communication and teamwork) and personal qualities (like leadership and adaptability) are particularly valued. In 2023, around 71% of job postings for knowledge workers required people skills, and 70.9% sought personal qualities. Communication, teamwork, and leadership were the most frequently mentioned skills, reflecting their importance in fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.
Regional and Sectoral Trends
Ontario leads in the volume of SES demand for knowledge workers, followed closely by British Columbia and Quebec. Interestingly, the Atlantic provinces have seen the most significant growth in SES demand, likely due to an economic shift toward service and technology sectors under the Atlantic Growth Strategy. These sectors prioritize skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
The information and financial services sectors stand out for their high SES demand, with 96.3% and 95.8% of job postings respectively requiring these skills in 2023. In these sectors, effective teamwork, flexibility, and strong communication skills are required to navigate complex networks and client relationships.
The Role of Reboot Plus in Developing SES
Reboot Plus plays a crucial role in equipping youth with the social emotional skills needed for the modern workplace. By focusing on experiential
learning and self-reflection, the program helps participants develop critical SES such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and leadership. Through interactions with career professionals, youth gain practical insights and build confidence in their abilities to navigate the professional world.
Participants of Reboot Plus not only acquire technical knowledge but also improve their social and emotional intelligence. This dual approach ensures that they are better-prepared to meet the demands of modern workplaces, where SES are increasingly required.
Empowering Youth Through Skills Development
SES are no longer optional in the modern workforce. As industries continue to evolve, the ability to communicate effectively, work well in teams, and adapt to changing circumstances becomes increasingly important. Programs like Reboot Plus are instrumental in developing these skills in youth, preparing them for successful careers and contributing to the growth and competitiveness of the economy. By focusing on SES development, Reboot Plus empowers vulnerable youth to envision and achieve a meaningful future.
With funding from the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Centre, we are examining whether a hope-centred education and career development program can help youth find their purpose. Students in our program are vulnerable youth aged 17 to 24 who have not finished high school and do not have a plan for their future. Our 16-week program helps participants identify their values, personality, interests and skills, meet with professionals and develop an education and career action plan.
Le projet Reboot Plus est financé par le Centre des Compétences futures du gouvernement du Canada