As artificial intelligence continues to reshape how work gets done, employers are increasingly looking beyond technical expertise, placing a premium on soft skills that AI cannot replicate, according to Seramount’s newly released 2025 State of the Workforce report.
The talent services firm, which partners with more than half of the Fortune 100, surveyed 100 chief human resource officers across industries to understand the emerging workforce priorities.
Soft Skills Are the New Competitive Edge
While AI fluency remains important, hiring managers say the ability to collaborate, problem-solve, and make decisions is becoming a decisive differentiator for candidates.
“We keep calling them soft skills like they’re nice to have. They’re critical,” said one CHRO interviewed by Seramount.
Joe Infantino, Senior Director at Seramount, emphasized the shift:
“We are entering a period of rapid workforce disruption, where certain skill sets may decline in value—and will continue to do so over time. By developing leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, in addition to technological know-how, individuals can set themselves apart in an increasingly difficult job market.”
Broader Workforce Trends
The report also identifies other major forces shaping the employee experience and expectations:
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Hybrid and remote work remain standard: Workers are willing to trade compensation for flexibility.
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Mental health challenges persist: Roughly 32% of employees report moderate to high burnout, highlighting the business impacts of stress on productivity and retention.
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Societal and demographic shifts influence mobility: Delayed life milestones and gig economy opportunities give workers more flexibility to explore short-term roles.
“Employers that double down on hybrid and remote work options, support mental health, and hire for human strengths like complex problem-solving and cross-functional communication will have the edge in the AI era,” Infantino said.
Implications for HR and Talent Strategy
For HR leaders and executives, the findings underline the need for a balanced workforce strategy that blends AI adoption with human-centered development. Employees who master both technological skills and interpersonal strengths are positioned to thrive in the evolving labor market.
The research, informed by direct interviews and extensive literature review, distills best practices for companies aiming to future-proof their workforce and maintain competitive advantage in a time of rapid AI-driven change.
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