According to new research by Michael Page, the most in-demand skills for 2021, say business leaders making hiring decisions this year, reflect the need for workers to demonstrate flexibility whilst working in teams as well as alone. Employers want staff to have skills that allow them to flourish in a tough, constantly changing work environment, the research points out.

The top five skills which have become more important over the last year are:

• Communications skills (including remote communication) – 89%
• Adaptability – 85%
• Managing/motivating staff remotely – 85%
• Resilience – 82%
• Collaboration – 77%

However, over half of UK employers (56%) believe that the pandemic uncovered significant skills gaps within their workforce.

• Recruiters: how are you measuring these skills in applicants for roles? Comment below on this story, or let us know what you think by emailing us at [email protected].