Understanding of Durable Skills
As industries evolve and automation rises, the demand for durable skills has grown alongside the changing skills needed to succeed in today's world. Despite technical skills holding their value they often have a limited shelf life as technology advances. Sometimes referred to as “soft skills” or “21st-century skills” these attributes such as adaptability, communication, and collaboration—equip individuals with the tools to navigate evolving environments.
Research underscores the importance of these skills. A Deloitte Insights report revealed that 92% of organizations now prioritize interpersonal skills over technical expertise when measuring success in the workplace (Preeti, 2024). Similarly, America Succeeds found that durable skills account for seven of the ten most requested skills in job postings with employers seeking them nearly four times more frequently than technical skills. Their analysis of over 82 million job postings shows a particularly high demand for these skills in industries aligned with the future of work, such as management and engineering (America Succeeds, 2021).
This growing emphasis on durable skills reflects a broader recognition of their long-term value. Unlike technical skills which can quickly become obsolete durable skills provide a lasting foundation for collaboration, innovation, and leadership. Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella, argues that empathy and other interpersonal skills are far from “soft” but rather are key components of an organization’s success (Preeti, 2024).
In a world increasingly shaped by automation and artificial intelligence the human touch that durable skills offer has become indispensable. Organizations that invest in these competencies not only adapt more effectively to change but also foster cultures of creativity, resilience, and connection. As Cheryl Oldham of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation explains, “Collective action around durable skills is one way to ensure Americans have the right skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow” (America Succeeds, 2021).
Organizations that are investing in employees with these skills are more likely to adapt to change and foster a workplace cultures of resilience, creativity, and connection. Cheryl Oldham the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation states that “collective action around Durable Skills is one way to ensure Americans have the right skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow (America Succeeds, 2021).
What Are Durable Skills?
Durable skills are the lifelong abilities that set the foundation for personal and professional success. Unlike technical skills which are specific to a role or industry and often become outdated durable skills endure across industries and decades.
The term "soft skills" was historically used to describe these attributes, but it fails to capture their true value. As Matthew J. Daniel explains durable skills are "the hard ones" requiring a deeper level of commitment and practice than technical skills (Daniel, 2020). In many ways these skills are the glue that holds teams and organizations together, enabling people to:
- Navigate complex challenges
- Adapt to change
- Work effectively with others.
America Succeeds defines durable skills as those that cut across all industries and roles, making them crucial for any workplace. For example, an engineer may have strong coding skills but without collaboration and communication abilities, their technical expertise may have a limited impact on a team. Durable skills are what turn individual contributors into leaders and innovators.
A durable skill like adaptability is particularly valuable in today's world. This rings true when considering how quickly businesses had to adapt and pivot to remote work during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Teams who adapted quickly, communicated effectively, and collaborated virtually were able to maintain productivity and morale, while those who didn’t struggled. This adaptability isn’t a technical skill—it’s a durable one.
Durable Skills Examples
Below, we’ve shared a few examples of the most sought-after durable skills that employers are looking for:
Adaptability: The ability to adjust to changing circumstances, challenges, and environments with flexibility and resilience.
Communication: The skill of clearly expressing ideas, actively listening, and effectively sharing information with others.
Collaboration: The capability to work well with others towards a shared goal, valuing diverse perspectives and teamwork.
Critical Thinking: The process of analyzing information objectively to make reasoned decisions and solve problems effectively.
Why Are Durable Skills Important?
Our job market is dynamic and technical skills alone are no longer enough to guarantee long-term career success. Research highlights that 85% of job success comes from durable skills, while only 15% is tied to technical expertise (Giesbrecht et al., 2023). Why? Because durable skills are transferable across industries and roles, allowing individuals to handle uncertainty and adapt to new demands.
Let’s look at healthcare as an example. Industries that heavily rely on technical precision demonstrate the importance of these durable skills. For instance, poor communication accounts for a large portion of medical errors. This highlights how durable skills like teamwork and clarity are as critical as clinical knowledge (Giesbrecht et al., 2023). Durable skills allow professionals to connect their technical knowledge with broader organizational goals, creating smoother workflows and better outcomes.
In education durable skills are just as crucial. Through developing critical thinking and collaboration skills early on students are better prepared for the workforce. For example, a group project teaches students how to delegate, listen to others’ perspectives, and synthesize ideas – all of which are valued by today’s employers. Having developed these kinds of durable skills will enable students to excel beyond the classroom.
As AI and automation continue to reframe industries the demand for human skills like empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving will continue to surge. A 2023 report by Deloitte highlights that 92 % of organizations prioritize interpersonal skills over technical capabilities when evaluating employee performance (Preeti, 2024). One’s ability to adapt, communicate, and collaborate is becoming the cornerstone of tomorrow's workforce.
Durable Skills vs Soft Skills
Soft skills and durable skills describe similar abilities, but the way they are understood and emphasized differs. Soft skills traditionally refer to interpersonal traits like communication, teamwork, and leadership. They’ve often been viewed as less critical than technical skills. Durable skills, on the other hand, highlight these abilities as essential, transferable, and lasting across careers and industries. This shift in language reframes these skills as foundational, emphasizing their importance in adapting to changing work environments. By focusing on durable skills, organizations and educators recognize their value in creating long-term success.
Challenges in Teaching and Measuring Durable Skills
Teaching and assessing durable skills comes with significant challenges. Unlike their traditional counterpart, durable skills can’t be measured through certifications or standardized tests making them harder to quantify. Traditional evaluation methods like grades or exams don’t adequately capture these nuanced abilities.
School programs typically focus on developing technical skills subsequently leaving gaps in durable skill instruction and assessment. Although teamwork or communication may be included as secondary objectives they’re rarely the primary focus of the curriculum. As noted in the Durable Skills Series education tends to emphasize clinical or technical proficiency over collective skills like leadership and collaboration (Giesbrecht et al., 2023).
Another challenge is the perception that durable skills are innate rather than teachable. Some educators and employers mistakenly assume that students or employees either have these skills or they don’t. Yet, research shows that durable skills can be developed through intentional practice and a continuous feedback loop (Daniel, 2020).
Innovative approaches are beginning to address these challenges head-on. North Carolina for instance has introduced rubrics and performance tasks to assess durable skills. These include:
- "I can" statements
- Performance-based assessments
- Tools that track progress across multiple grade levels
These methods allow educators to provide actionable feedback on durable skills encouraging continuous improvement(America Succeeds, 2021).
Approaches to Teaching Durable Skills
Developing durable skills requires intentional practice, continuous feedback, and opportunities for real-world application. Unlike technical skills, these abilities can’t be learned through classroom instruction or webinars. Instead, they must be cultivated over time through hands-on learning experiences and reflection.
One effective strategy is integrating durable skills into project-based learning. Students working on group projects are naturally practicing teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. Educators can enhance these experiences by providing structured feedback, encouraging students to reflect on their performance, explicitly indicating what durable skills students are developing through the project, and identifying areas for growth.
Another approach is embedding durable skills into daily instruction. For example, asking students to explain their reasoning during a math problem-solving session can develop critical thinking and communication skills simultaneously. Teachers can also encourage leadership by assigning roles within group activities or fostering peer mentoring relationships.
Professional development for educators is also critical for fostering durable skills. If school- or district-wide durable skills training isn’t available or within your budget, platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Coursera offer courses focused on a multitude of these skills. Employers who invest in these programs often see improved team dynamics and productivity as employees are better equipped to handle challenges (Daniel, 2020).
How to Measure Durable Skills
Measuring durable skills is no easy task but progress is being made. Rubrics, self-assessments, and peer evaluations are a few of the tools being used to capture these competencies. For instance, North Carolina’s educational system uses a three-point scale to assess whether students can independently demonstrate durable skills in age-appropriate ways (America Succeeds, 2021).
Performance-based assessments are another method educators can lean into. These require individuals to complete tasks that mimic real-world challenges such as leading a team discussion or solving a complex problem under time constraints. Feedback is then provided on specific skill areas allowing learners to see where they excel and where they can improve.
Technology is also playing a role in assessing durable skills. Tools like video feedback and simulation-based training allow educators and employers to observe and evaluate skills in action. For example, dialogue simulations can assess communication skills, while leadership simulations can test decision-making and adaptability in high-pressure scenarios (Daniel, 2020).
Additionally, some schools and organizations are experimenting with portfolio-based assessments. By documenting examples of projects, teamwork, and problem-solving in action, learners can showcase their durable skills in a tangible way. These portfolios also provide educators and employers with concrete evidence of skills in practice.
The Path Forward: Preparing Students for Success
The future of education and workforce development is dependent on embedding durable skills into learning environments. Schools and organizations have to prioritize these competencies ensuring individuals are equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
One way forward is through local accountability systems that balance academic and skill-based outcomes. By incorporating durable skills into state and district standards educators can ensure these abilities are given the time and attention they deserve. North Carolina’s use of “I can” statements and performance tasks offers a roadmap for other states looking to implement similar systems (America Succeeds, 2021).
Employers also have a role to play. By investing in professional development programs that emphasize durable skills, companies can foster a workforce capable of navigating uncertainty and driving innovation. Collaborative initiatives between schools, businesses, and community organizations can further support the development of these skills, creating pathways for lifelong learning.
Ultimately, durable skills are the key to future-ready individuals and resilient organizations. By prioritizing these abilities, we can ensure that learners and workers alike are prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and adaptability.
Are you looking to support your school or district in documenting and measuring durable skills development? Download Your K-12 Guide to Choosing a District Digital Portfolio Platform.
