Skills necessary to sail through 2023

As we move into 2023, the demand for several skills will increase, in both employees and organisations, along with technological advancements. For instance, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation have already come to be essential parts of modern organisations. 

No wonder employees with skills in data analytics, machine learning and programming are highly sought after today. Additionally, digital knowledge and the ability to work with new technologies will also be important for employees looking to stay competitive in the job market.

Here’s a list of skills that will hold employees and employers in good stead this year.

Data analytics

For organisations, one of the most important skills will be the ability to leverage data and analytics. With the increasing amount of data being generated by companies, the ability to extract meaningful insights and make data-driven decisions will be critical to remain competitive. This necessitates the presence of a strong data infrastructure, the ability to analyse and interpret data, and the ability to communicate insights effectively.

Creativity & innovativeness

Another important skill for organisations in 2023 will be the ability to foster a culture of innovation. With the pace of change continuing to accelerate, organisations that are able to create an environment where new ideas can flourish will be better positioned to stay ahead of the curve. This includes fostering a culture of experimentation, encouraging employee creativity, and investing in research and development.

“Cognitive skills such as marrying conceptual ability with on-ground execution, strategic thinking and problem solving for customers can keep the organisation ahead,”

Sharad Verma, VP and CHRO, IRIS Software

Sharad Verma, VP and CHRO, IRIS Software, says, “Skill alignment in a fast-changing world is the keyword driving change. A combination of AI/machine learning (ML), automation, and data science skills along with a high degree of human skills—emotional intelligence and interpersonal savviness— are the need of the hour. To make all of this work together, we need good collaboration skills. ”  

Collaboration

According to Verma, there is a need for a higher level of collaboration skills in a hybrid environment requiring the engagement of remote workers. “Cognitive skills such as marrying conceptual ability with on-ground execution, strategic thinking and problem solving for customers can keep the organisation ahead,” he adds.

Digital knowledge

One of the most important skills for employees will be digital knowledge. With more and more companies moving their operations online, the ability to efficiently utilise digital tools and platforms is becoming essential. This includes proficiency in areas such as web development, data analysis and cybersecurity.

Adaptability

As technology and the business landscape continue to evolve at a rapid pace, being able to adapt to new situations and technologies will be crucial for success in 2023. This includes being able to learn new skills quickly, being open to change, and having strong curiosity.

Mukul Chopra, CHRO, Convegenius, says, “The four A’s—ambiguity, adaptability, agility, and ability—are what will define an organisation and its employees in 2023.”

Resilience

In today’s fast-paced and constantly-developing world, it is essential to be resilient. With resilience, it is easy to cope with and adapt to changing situations and handle unexpected challenges effectively.

“Therefore, to handle these challenging situations, it is important to have all hands on deck, and for that, resilience is important.”

Mukul Chopra, CHRO, Convegenius

Resilient employees are better able to handle stress, maintain a positive attitude and continue to perform effectively in the face of adversity. Additionally, they are more likely to be able to bounce back quickly from setbacks and find new opportunities for growth and success.

Chopra says, “Ambiguity is here and it is here to stay, so is uncertainty. An organisation’s journey is no longer a straight line; it has bends. We don’t know what is going to happen at what point, because more than the internal circumstances, the external factors hit harder. Therefore, to handle these challenging situations, it is important to have all hands on deck, and for that, resilience is important.”

Chopra says, “Nobody is clear about what is going to happen; nobody is safe, and no place is safe”. According to him, it is all about faith and mental strength. After COVID-19, there has been a lot of trauma, stress and anxiety, but employees have to be resilient and face what they have to face.

“It is something that cannot be taught; it has to be self-implemented,”

Sunil Kumar, CHRO, PVR

People connect

Professionals working in an organisation should possess the skill to connect with people. They should be able to understand the stakeholders’ needs and requirements, and respect them. Employees can then, accordingly, put forth their points of view.

Sunil Kumar, CHRO, PVR, says that somehow this ‘people connect’— a practice that is person dependent and not organisation dependent — is not prevalent in many organisations.  

“Organisations can be people centric, and may believe in mutual respect, but unless the philosophy of ‘people connect’ is deeply ingrained in the minds and hearts of the employees, it cannot become a practice,” Kumar explains.

Kumar seriously advocates ‘people connect’ for every organisation and for every individual in an organisation. “It is something that cannot be taught; it has to be self-implemented,” he adds.

A reason why different skills will be essential in 2023 is also because of the changing nature of work itself. As organisations become more global and cross-functional, employees will need to be able to work effectively in teams and across different cultures. This means having strong communication, collaboration and intercultural skills.

In addition to that, as businesses look to become more agile and responsive, employees will need to be able to think creatively, be innovative and adapt to new circumstances quickly.

Overall, as we move into 2023, the ability to adapt to change and hold on to technology will be critical for both employees and organisations.