Business and Industry and Workforce Development Agencies are becoming more and more vocal about the lack of desired soft skills in the labor market. They are highlighting various concerns, including:

1. Shortage of qualified candidates: Studies and surveys by organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)  indicate that finding new hires with strong soft skills can be challenging. This shortage is often cited as a major barrier to filling open positions.

2. Focus on technical skills over soft skills: Companies are concerned that educational systems may overemphasize technical skills at the expense of soft skills development. They advocate for a more balanced approach that equips graduates with both technical expertise and essential soft skills.

3. Impact on productivity and collaboration: Companies express concerns that deficiencies in soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, hinder collaboration and productivity. This can lead to misunderstandings, wasted time, and missed opportunities.

4. Difficulty adapting to change: The rapidly evolving workplace demands adaptability and critical thinking. Companies communicate the need for employees who can navigate change, learn new things quickly, and thrive in uncertain environments.