Tech Skills Outshine Human Abilities, Warns Deloitte

A new Deloitte survey reveals that companies are honing in on technical skills — such as AI and data proficiency — while sidelining essential human capabilities like adaptability, communication, and leadership. This trend is raising alarms among experts, who warn that an overemphasis on technical skills could stifle innovation and leave workers ill-prepared for the complexities of modern markets.

The Deloitte survey, which gathered insights from 1,000 full-time professionals, reveals a disconnect as 87% of workers believe that qualities such as adaptability, communication, and leadership are essential for their professional growth. Yet, only 52% feel their companies value these skills as much as their technical counterparts. This disparity highlights an urgent need for organizations to foster adaptability, says Indeed. 

Anthony Stephan, Chief Learning Officer, Deloitte US, emphasizes the potential pitfalls of neglecting human capabilities. “Organizations that overemphasize technical training at the expense of enduring human skills — like divergent thinking, emotional agility, and resilience — could end up stifling innovation and leaving employees ill-equipped to lead teams or adapt to market opportunities,” he says. 

Resilience enables employees to navigate challenges and learn from setbacks, while compassion promotes trust and open communication, encouraging diverse perspectives. Critical thinking equips teams to analyze problems and make informed decisions, driving creative solutions and innovation, explains Intuition. Harvard Business Review points to a study of 1,700 global companies that found that those that excelled in human capital metrics were four times more likely to achieve superior financial performance.

Concerns about the long-term consequences of this training imbalance are palpable among survey participants, as 94% worry that future generations may enter the workforce lacking crucial human skills. This apprehension arises from the prioritization of technical skills, often overshadowing the development of vital human capabilities. Respondents voiced a strong desire for a more holistic approach to professional growth, with 65% advocating for greater emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, 61% on communication, and 56% on leadership development.