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Miami Herald
23-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Which skills are the most valuable in an AI-powered world of work?
In today's increasingly AI-driven world of work, success is becoming less frequently defined by technical or hard skills alone. Instead, the spotlight is shifting toward abilities like communication, adaptability, and critical thinking-so-called "soft skills." Soft skills are hard to automate, but are essential to long-term business success, notes Upwork, an online marketplace for hiring skilled freelancers. As such, they have been rebranded as "power skills"-the core competencies that drive collaboration, innovation, and leadership in an AI-driven economy. Data from The Upwork Research Institute's Future Workforce Index confirms what many already sense: Stakeholders who master power skills, especially in flexible and remote work environments, are better prepared for the future of work. And the companies that prioritize these power skills? They're the ones building truly AI-savvy, human-centered organizations. AI is reshaping work, not replacing workers When people think of the effect AI is having on the workforce, they often picture replacement: machines working faster and more cheaply than a person ever could. But the reality is more nuanced. Rather than displacing jobs outright, AI is fundamentally altering the way work is structured, executed, and valued. This transformation is elevating the importance of uniquely human capabilities. As automation becomes more common, success depends less on the individual tasks a person might do, and more on how thoughtfully they approach their work, how well they adapt to change, and how they collaborate with team members. Communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and emotional intelligence are no longer just "nice to have" skill sets-they're what separate the high-performing professionals and teams from the average. In fact, these capabilities are becoming the currency of the modern workplace. According to 2024 data from LinkedIn, communication-not coding or AI literacy-was the most in-demand skill for professionals to have. A separate LinkedIn survey also found that 69% of executives in the U.S. plan to prioritize "soft" skills when hiring professionals. These data points aren't a fluke; they're a signal that we're in a new world of work-one where being human is your greatest competitive edge. The most valuable power skills that AI can't automate Freelancers are outpacing full-time employees in power skills One of the most revealing insights from the Future Workforce Index is this: Skilled freelancers are outperforming traditional employees across nearly every key power and interpersonal skill. Among 3,000 skilled knowledge workers surveyed, freelancers consistently reported stronger capabilities in effective communication, critical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving. While some of the gaps may appear small at first glance, they reflect a meaningful pattern: Freelancers are actively developing the skills that increasingly define success in a tech-augmented workplace. How dynamic, trust-based work accelerates power skills These numbers also show us that people with strong power skills thrive in situations that require flexibility, dynamic thinking, and a diversity of viewpoints. And comfort working in these environments is precisely what gives freelancers an advantage-and offers a blueprint for organizations looking to close skill gaps. Freelancers regularly operate outside traditional hierarchies. They're accustomed to: Switching contextsManaging multiple client relationshipsSolving open-ended problemsCommunicating value in different waysWorking with different technologiesCollaborating across time zones On the whole, freelancers find the work requiring these skills to be enjoyable; 83% say their work positively contributes to their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. And 82% believe they have more work opportunities today than they did a year ago, compared to just 63% of full-time employees. Reframing soft skills as business-critical power skills Organizations that want to stay competitive need to audit how they nurture, assess, and reward power skills. Embedding the evaluation of these skills into hiring and onboarding processes, professional development curricula, and performance systems is no longer optional-it's a strategic necessity. For leaders, this starts with reshaping workplace dynamics to mirror the adaptability and autonomy freelancers experience. Such an approach might entail: Encouraging experimentationPromoting cross-functional collaborationInvesting in peer mentoring and coaching programsEmphasizing power skills and people skills in workplace learning and upskilling For professionals, the same principles apply. You can: Look for stretch assignments that challenge your communication or conflict-resolution abilitiesJoin a feedback circle or mastermind groupRead books on emotional intelligence, self-awareness, leadership skills, and decision-making Power skills aren't just career assets-they're the foundation of resilience in an unpredictable world. And the companies and professionals that lead with empathy, adaptability, and creativity will be the ones shaping the future of work. Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation. This story was produced by Upwork and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. © Stacker Media, LLC.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I'm a Gen Z Freelancer: How I Make Six Figures Without a 9-to-5
As the way we work continues to evolve, freelancing may someday overtake traditional full-time roles. According to Upwork's Future Workforce Index, the majority of Gen Z workers — who will make up 30% of the U.S. workforce by 2030 — are electing to work as freelancers. According to the study, 53% of skilled Gen Z knowledge workers are already working in this way. Find Out: Read Next: One of these Gen Zers is Suzanne Ctvrtlik, who has made six figures as a freelance senior designer on the Upwork platform. GOBankingRates spoke with her about how she grew her income, and why she decided to be a full-time freelancer rather than work a traditional job. I focused on building long-term client relationships instead of constantly hustling for new projects. That meant being reliable, easy to work with and consistently delivering high-quality work. Over time, I raised my rates as I gained experience and got a better sense of the value I was bringing to the table. Behind the scenes, I streamlined my workflow and built systems to save time, and brought on help when I needed it, so I could take on more work without burning out. Check Out: I graduated during a tough job market for entry-level creative roles. Many of the 9-to-5 opportunities I came across were underpaid, contract-based or located in high-cost cities, and they didn't feel stable or aligned with the kind of work I wanted to do. I started freelancing straight out of college, mostly out of necessity, but it ended up being a better fit. It gave me the creative freedom I was looking for and the chance to build something of my own, rather than following a pre-established career path. One of the things I value most is the ability to travel, and freelancing has given me the freedom to do that without putting my work on pause. I've been able to keep things running smoothly while working from different places, which wouldn't be possible in a traditional 9-to-5. It also gives me the flexibility to structure my days around how I work best. I prefer async work and minimal meetings, so having that level of control makes a big difference in the quality of my work. If you want to do this full time, treat it like a business. Getting started is the hardest part, but once you build momentum, it gets easier. Charge based on the value you bring, not what you think someone will pay. The clients who respect your work won't push back on fair pricing. If you're not bringing the value you want to charge for, take time to hone your craft or find people who can fill in the gaps. Quality is what keeps clients coming back. Build systems, protect your time and don't be afraid to say no. And honestly, spend some time in a customer service job if you haven't already — you'll deal with every personality and scenario imaginable in freelancing, and that experience helps more than you'd think. More From GOBankingRates 5 Types of Vehicles Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying 10 Genius Things Warren Buffett Says To Do With Your Money 4 Things You Should Do if You Want To Retire Early The New Retirement Problem Boomers Are Facing Sources Upwork, Future Workforce Index This article originally appeared on I'm a Gen Z Freelancer: How I Make Six Figures Without a 9-to-5
