Researchers for the social media platform LinkedIn published the firm's 'Skills on the Rise 2025' list on Wednesday (19 March) with relationship building taking the top spot as the most in-demand skill that employers are prioritising.
The list was created based on analysis of the platform's own data over the past year, with a view to highlighting the skills that employers are looking for most when hiring.
The report suggests that relationship building is the most in-demand skill because of the growing importance of authentic connections and trust in businesses, after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Strategic thinking and AI literacy followed as the second and third most important skills on the list. As AI tools continue to be rolled out in workplaces, employers are looking for workers who can understand and utilise them, LinkedIn's report stated.
This list shows that tech and human skills can complement each other, according to Romina da Costa, director of intellectual property development at TestGorilla, a pre-employment screening platform.
She told HR magazine: “These skills [from LinkedIn’s report] reflect the dynamicity of today’s workplace, where technology enhances, rather than replaces, human capability.
"Technical skills, which can be replicated and sometimes exceeded by AI, are only one part of the picture. Talent has soft skills, empathy, creativity, personality and presence – all things which are crucial for success in the workplace, and which will become even more valuable as AI handles more routine tasks."
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Research published earlier this month (4 March) by LinkedIn suggested that skills-based hiring could significantly increase the UK talent pool, making it eight times its current size.
The research explained that focusing on skills when hiring can expand talent in sectors experiencing shortages, and help a range of people into work, including those who have untraditional carer paths, and workers of different ages.
Gangotri Bhatt, director of learning and development consultancy Skills Lab, flagged the importance of HR's role in fostering key skills.
Bhatt told HR magazine: “HR leaders and training providers play a pivotal role in building skills within their workplaces, offering mentorship programmes, cross-functional projects and leadership training to help fast track essential skills development.
“Despite the rise of automation and AI, human skills remain invaluable in the workplace. Machines may enhance efficiency but it’s the human capacity for empathy, creativity and problem-solving that drives true innovation. Business leaders must prioritise upskilling and reskilling initiatives through experiential learning to combine technical development alongside soft skills.”
Raoul-Gabriel Urma, founder of education technology company Cambridge Spark, also emphasised the importance of upskilling.
Urma told HR magazine: “I can’t stress the need for upskilling enough, especially where AI is concerned. No matter what skill it is we’re talking about, you’ll only be able to help others improve if you have a strong grasp of it yourself, so it’s vital that HR leaders take the time to go on courses or deepen their pool of understanding in AI literacy.
“Above all, company-wide training courses and opportunities for continued development are a must. HR leaders have a big role to play in driving these initiatives forward. Employees need to be given the chance to hone their skills.”
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LinkedIn's list is missing a critical skill though, according to Karie Willyerd, chief learning officer in residence at learning and skills provider Skillable.
She told HR magazine: “I would suggest a fourth critical skill: the ability to unlearn. That will serve people well in the AI-powered future. Being able to critically assess preconceptions and beliefs that are holding you back in your AI adoption will be vital in a workplace that’s constantly changing due to a new AI agent, generative AI model or robot co-worker.”
A survey published by Microsoft published earlier this month, revealed that half (54%) of business don’t have an official AI strategy.
LinkedIn also reported in January that the skills landscape is rapidly evolving; the company estimated that by 2030, 70% of the skills used in most jobs will change, though AI skills will be at the forefront.
But not everyone has digital literacy skills, Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the charity Digital Poverty Alliance, noted; it is important to ensure that training is inclusive.
Speaking to HR magazine, Anderson said: “When it comes to AI and digital literacy, many employees, particularly those from older generations or underrepresented backgrounds, may lack the digital skills necessary in the modern workplace. Organisations must take proactive steps to provide inclusive training programmes that build foundational digital skills and AI literacy.
“HR leaders are uniquely positioned to bridge these gaps by offering training opportunities, promoting digital confidence and ensuring people have access to upskilling resources. Digital and AI literacy skills are particularly important as they continue to intertwine with everyday life.
“Collaboration between policymakers, educational institutions and business is also essential to bridging the skills gap across the UK workforce. We must invest in digital literacy initiatives and provide continuous learning opportunities to ensure that everyone benefits from these fast-growing skills.”
For its 'Skills on the Rise 2025' list, LinkedIn analysed its own data by looking at skill acquisition, hiring success and emerging demand, comparing data from 1 January to 31 December 2024, to the same period in the previous year (1 January to 31 December 2023).
