AI Takes a Backseat as Soft Skills Lead LinkedIn’s Skills on the Rise 2025 Report
For years, discussions on the future of work have been dominated by AI. However, LinkedIn’s latest Skills on the Rise 2025 report presents a different reality—creativity, problem-solving, and strategic thinking have emerged as the most sought-after skills for employers. This shift highlights the growing importance of human-centric capabilities in a world increasingly shaped by technology.
The report underscores a critical challenge for business leaders: how to bridge the widening skills gap while ensuring their workforce remains future-ready. LinkedIn’s research reveals:
- 64% of job-related skills will evolve by 2030.
- 69% of recruiters face a skills mismatch between available talent and business needs.
- 60% of professionals are open to switching industries, signaling a shift in traditional career paths.
- 39% of professionals are actively learning new skills to stay relevant.
“As AI transforms how we work, soft skills like creativity, problem-solving, and strategic thinking are no longer optional—they are essential for business success,” says Nirajita Banerjee, LinkedIn’s Career Expert and India Senior Managing Editor.
The 15 Fastest-Growing Skills for 2025
- Creativity & Innovation
- Code Review
- Problem Solving
- Pre-Screening
- Strategic Thinking
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Large Language Models (LLM)
- AI Literacy
- Debugging
- Customer Engagement
- Statistical Data Analysis
- Prompt Engineering
- Market Analysis
- Stakeholder Management
What This Means for Business Leaders?
Soft Skills Are the Real Differentiator
While AI can automate routine tasks, it cannot replace human creativity, strategic thinking, or adaptability. Creativity, once considered exclusive to artistic fields, is now an essential skill across industries, including business development, education, and technology.
AI Fluency Is Expected, Not Exceptional
With 95% of C-suite leaders prioritizing AI proficiency, knowledge of AI tools like LLMs and prompt engineering is becoming a baseline requirement. However, companies are not just hiring AI specialists—they need professionals who can combine AI fluency with leadership and decision-making skills.
Customer Engagement as a Competitive Edge
With customer engagement ranking among the fastest-growing skills, businesses are shifting their focus toward long-term client relationships. Strong stakeholder management and market analysis capabilities are becoming crucial for retention and sustained growth.
Emerging HR Skills in India
In the HR sector, the demand for skills is evolving rapidly. Professionals are now expected to excel in:
- Relationship Management
- Communication Training
- Candidate Assessment
- Critical Thinking
- Adaptability
- Data Visualization
- AI Literacy
- Reporting & Analysis
- Social Media Marketing
- Talent Scouting
How Organizations Can Prepare
Rethink Hiring Strategies: Instead of focusing solely on AI skills, businesses must prioritize candidates with strong problem-solving, adaptability, and strategic thinking abilities—skills that will drive long-term impact.
Invest in Upskilling: With 39% of professionals actively learning new skills, companies should implement agile training programs that blend AI literacy with leadership development.
Close the Skills Gap: A skills-first hiring approach—focusing on competencies rather than degrees or job titles—will be critical in addressing talent shortages.
While AI continues to shape the future of work, businesses that invest in a balanced mix of human intelligence and technical expertise will have the upper hand. The organizations that foster creativity, adaptability, and strategic thinking today will be the industry leaders of tomorrow.
