Soft skills : new human skills in the age of artificial intelligence

Soft skills : new human skills in the age of artificial intelligence

30 October 2025

The world of work is changing rapidly. Between automation, artificial intelligence and new ways of collaborating, human skills, otherwise known as soft skills, are no longer a bonus: they are becoming essential for performing well and remaining attractive. Let's explore how these skills have evolved, why AI is highlighting them, and how candidates and HR can prepare for them.

Soft skills : yesterday and today

A few years ago, soft skills were often limited to communication, teamwork, adaptability and empathy. These qualities were valued, but considered secondary to technical skills. Today, Future of Jobs Report 2025 du World Economic Forum shows that analytical and critical thinking, resilience, agility, leadership and social influence are now at the heart of recruitment criteria. Soft skills have gone from being ‘nice to have’ to a determining factor for success in an ever-changing environment.

L’IA : catalyseur des compétences humaines

Artificial intelligence does not eliminate soft skills: it enhances them. By automating repetitive tasks, it frees up time for what machines cannot do: creativity, critical thinking and empathy. These qualities become a differentiating factor in a context where technology is becoming standardised. A Wiley survey shows that 84% of workers prefer to handle difficult discussions face-to-face rather than via automated tools. AI also increases complexity and uncertainty in the workplace, making adaptability and the ability to learn continuously essential. Intelligent technologies often require human-machine collaboration, which highlights new or enhanced skills, such as critical thinking about results, communicating insights, and ethical awareness.

Quelles soft skills aujourd’hui et demain ?

For companies and HR professionals, this means rethinking how soft skills are assessed and developed. It is essential to diagnose existing skills, adapt recruitment and assessment to these new expectations, and promote upskilling and reskilling. A culture of continuous learning, combining technological exploration and human development, is a lever for performance and engagement. For candidates and employees, the advice is clear: identify your human skills, pinpoint those that need to be developed, and know how to showcase them effectively in your CV, on LinkedIn, or in interviews. Participating in projects or training courses that combine technology and soft skills allows you to stand out while cultivating a mindset of lifelong learning.

How can we support this change ?

For companies and HR professionals, this means rethinking how soft skills are assessed and developed. It is essential to diagnose existing skills, adapt recruitment and assessment to these new expectations, and promote upskilling and reskilling. A culture of continuous learning, combining technological exploration and human development, is a lever for performance and engagement. For candidates and employees, the advice is clear: identify your human skills, pinpoint those that need to be developed, and know how to showcase them effectively in your CV, on LinkedIn, or in interviews. Participating in projects or training courses that combine technology and soft skills allows you to stand out while cultivating a mindset of lifelong learning.