Soft Skills Are What Employers Want in 2026 as Artificial Intelligence Overtakes Skills Market
Australian Financial Review
ENRICHED
Details
- Date Published
- 26 Feb 2026
- Priority Score
- 2
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 26 Feb 2026, 08:00 am
Description
Research shows being agreeable has traditionally carried a major lifetime pay penalty, but artificial intelligence might start to change that.
Summary
As artificial intelligence automates more technical tasks, there is a growing emphasis on soft skills like emotional intelligence and the ability to manage relationships in the workplace. This shift suggests that traditionally undervalued traits, such as agreeableness, may gain importance and financial reward. The article highlights the changing nature of employment demands and the implications for career development as AI influences skill markets. While not directly addressing existential AI risks, the piece underscores the broader societal and economic impacts of AI adoption, particularly in the workforce.
Body
Rachael BoltonWork and careers reporterFeb 26, 2026 – 10.41amBeing “nice” has historically been a financial liability in the workplace. For decades, research into personalities and success has found “agreeableness” at work to be the trait least likely to get you a pay rise, while “difficult” men pocketed half a million dollars more in lifetime earnings, according to one study.But as artificial intelligence automates technical and procedural “hard” expertise, the ability to build trust, manage stakeholders and deploy high emotional intelligence has become a premium skill set.Loading...SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginLicense articleFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MorePayCareersSuccess storiesJobsHow to get a pay riseAIRachael BoltonWork and careers reporterRachael Bolton is a work and careers reporter for The Australian Financial Review. Email Rachael at rachael.bolton@afr.comFetching latest articles