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Careers & workplace advice from Hays

The economic climate has resulted in many companies decelerating their hiring during 2024, as the boom in opportunities that we experienced in the wake of the pandemic came to a close. There’s no denying that we’ve witnessed fewer openings than compared to previous years. 

Looking to the year ahead, the workplace trends indicate that people seeking permanent positions will have to evaluate a number of factors. Technology skills will once again be in demand across the board, while green skills are increasingly sought after. 

With that in mind, it’s helpful to know where opportunities lie when making the next step in your career. We’ve taken a look at the biggest industries where we expect movement in 2025 and what you need to find a job there. 

Top industries hiring in 2025 

Technology 

People seeking jobs in the tech industry will find exciting roles, but upskilling is the name of the game in order to futureproof your career.  

While artificial intelligence hasn’t yet transformed the industry in the ways that some suggested or even predicted, professionals across all disciplines will benefit from an understanding of AI tools. The most in-demand roles in this space are Project Managers, followed by Business and Data Analysts. Being able to use AI to assist in taking notes, creating schedules or assessing data will give you a huge advantage in these jobs. 

For those looking to get involved in 2025, taking time to develop soft skills is also likely to pay off. Business-facing roles, such as the ones mentioned above, will require the ability to communicate effectively with different stakeholders. As AI’s influence grows, having the problem-solving skills to augment the tech will put you in good stead. 

Download your free CV guide from Hays

Banking, Financial Services and Insurance 

As covered in our recent BFSI report in partnership with Everest, organisations are struggling with skills shortages, so the right candidates will be in plenty of demand. Here are some of the areas that employers are on the lookout for: 

  • Technology skills: As mentioned in the introduction, proficiency with tech tools and platforms are becoming a necessity in most industries. Of course, this is important for people working in data analytics, as AI and cyber security skills will help in collecting, analysing and protecting important information. 

Energy 

Another of the major industries hiring in 2025, this is an area undergoing rapid transformation as countries continue to switch to clean energy. The new UK government has pledged to decarbonise the power sector by 2030, while offering a ‘skills passport’ for professionals making the transition into working with renewable sources. We’ve also seen greater investment in China, too, while Germany has recently committed to spending €19bn on a pipe network to transport hydrogen. 

For enthusiastic skilled professionals, the good news is that it’s a sector open to a wide range of expertise. For example, organisations want specialists to oversee renewable energy systems and consultants to offer advice on transformation 

Again, there is wide acknowledgment that greater technology adoption is required to facilitate the transition. As outlined by the World Economic Forum, cyber security professionals are in demand. Meanwhile, our recent report on the energy industry highlighted how Data Analysts will be heavily involved in optimising various stages of the energy lifecycle. 

Engineering 

A beneficiary of the focus on sustainability and clean energy are engineers. As discussed during a recent Hays LinkedIn event on finding jobs in sustainability, engineers have a big part to play in the green revolution. For example, civil engineers with expertise in sustainable urban development and resilient infrastructure can expect to find roles. 

That’s not to say that opportunities are limited to this space, though, as the job market in the engineering industry remains resilient outside of this. It’s also very broad, with a vast number of areas you could work in. The latest figures from Hays Salary Guides in the UK, as well as Australia and New Zealand, offer further insights into jobs and remuneration. 

Looking for a new job in 2025? 

Even though you know the industries hiring in 2025, it’s worth thinking about your priorities in a new role before embarking on your job search. Is it a higher salary? Greater flexibility in how your work? Access to learning opportunities and resources? 

Download our free CV and interview guides today to help you in your search and check your local Hays website here to find vacancies near you. 

The close of COP29, the United Nations’ annual climate change conference, as well as recent changes, have once again made environmental sustainability a hot topic. This, along with the announcement that the EU are set to loosen existing regulations, has left many wondering whether we’re doing enough. 

For most of us, our ability to make a meaningful impact comes when we work with others. One of the first places this can happen is in the workplace. Are your employers committed to sustainability, or just talking the talk? The unfortunate truth is that, sometimes, the focus on hitting financial targets or cutting costs can lead to neglecting environmental issues.   

As an employee, you can help to move things in the right direction. Maybe your company is just starting out with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). Perhaps they’ve got a plan that recently stalled. Or maybe your organisation is actively pursuing corporate sustainability, but you still feel that the company could do more. 

No matter the situation, you can make a difference. Let’s look at a few ways you can encourage your company to prioritise ESG.  

Why ESG and sustainability goals matter for business  

Evolving regulatory landscape 

New and evolving regulations mean that many businesses are being impacted. Whether organisations are directly impacted, or whether the changes are happening in their supply chain, increased reporting means that they must take action or face penalties. 

ESG is good for staff engagement  

Employees want to feel part of a company that works for good. In fact, one of our LinkedIn polls showed that 61% of respondents prioritise working for a sustainable business. Gen Z employees are also more likely to engage at work where they feel they have a purpose.  

Sustainable initiatives are good for business  

A Financial Times piece showed that companies that do well in sustainability reporting might retain customers for longer. Whilst companies who ignore sustainable business practices can seriously harm their reputation  

ESG initiatives are good for the world  

Above all, everybody needs to contribute to net zero, cutting carbon emissions where possible. Recent extreme weather conditions such as floods, hurricanes, wildfires and droughts are making front page news and negatively impacting citizens across the globe. 

How to make a positive impact on your company’s ESG goals  

1. Understand your organisation’s existing ESG performance  

Before you suggest new ESG practices, it’s a good idea to understand where your company currently stands. Some businesses are transparent. Yours may already publish ESG reports that show their goals and progress. Others might not — and that’s an excellent chance to step in.  

First, look into existing reports, disclosures or sustainability claims. If you can’t find anything, try speaking with HR or management. Ask directly what your company is doing to meet its climate-related metrics.   

This proactive approach will get the conversation started. Plus, once you understand your current ESG strategies, you’ll be in a better position to suggest changes. 

2. Look at competitors 

Once you’ve assessed your own organisation’s progress, it’s time to find out what you can about their competitors. Doing this will not only give you inspiration for ways your employer can make changes, but will also prove that it can be done. It’s also an effective way to motivate decision makers, since they won’t want to be seen as falling behind – especially when clients and other business partners are choosing who to work with and invest in. 

3. Start with small changes towards sustainable business practices  

You don’t need to suggest massive overhauls right away. In fact, if you try to change everything all at once, you’re less likely to be successful. The key at first is to find easy wins that won’t overwhelm but will still make a positive environmental impact.  

For example, a Deloitte report showed that seven in 10 employees would like to see their company reduce waste. Could your office do this by improving lighting or power usage? Is your team using a lot of paper or plastic? Over time, smaller changes will make a big difference.  

Remember, when you make your suggestions, it’s important to connect them to the business. Highlight the benefits for the company, such as:  

  • saving on energy bill 
  • motivating staff  
  • simply performing better towards existing ESG factors. 

4. Ask for transparency  

It’s not uncommon for companies to make claims without showing the numbers. This approach is known as greenwashing. So, if you’re serious about making a difference, transparency should be a priority.  

When you speak to those in charge, encourage them to set measurable goals for sustainability and report on them regularly. A company’s ESG goals could be as simple as tracking energy usage, waste reduction or carbon emissions, depending on your suggestions. Having the data will help them to prove their progress to staff and clients.  

5. Talk to your colleagues  

Of course, bringing awareness to ESG issues and introducing new strategies can be difficult. Often, you might not be able to change policies on your own. That’s where getting your colleagues on board and pointing towards societal pressures can make a difference.  

Do you work for a big company? Then why not start a sustainability group? If you’re lucky enough to have one already, join in. Having a team of employees who are passionate about these issues might be enough to make leadership take notice. 

As an employee, asking questions and raising issues will invariably lead to you and your group being asked to take on some of the responsibility. Why accept this? Think of it as an opportunity to develop your green skills in an area where there’s currently a notable gap. In exchange, try to secure some small investment in resources, whether that be learning and development, or a mentorship scheme. 

Final comments 

Remember, it’s important to recognise that not everyone will be on board immediately. Understandably, those under pressure with their own KPIs might only be interested in financial performance. That’s when framing ESG in terms of business benefits is so important.  

With the right ideas, focus and approach, your case for getting your company to prioritise sustainability and ESG will be hard to ignore.  

Read more about how you can drive a commitment to sustainability at work:  

While we reflect on our learns from 2024, it’s time to plan for the year ahead. Artificial intelligence, remote working opportunities and skills development – what can we expect from the workplace in 2025? 

Technological advancement continues to dominate the headlines, leaving many curious and apprehensive over the tasks, or even roles, AI will soon be able to perform. Meanwhile, more CEOs expect employees back in the office five days a week. 

Here are our five biggest workplace trends impacting your career in 2025. 

AI can do your job – how will you respond? 

Unsurprising, artificial intelligence and its evolving capabilities continue to steal headlines with regard to the future of the workplace. However, opinion toward AI and its role in the world of work is shifting. 

A study by YouGov in the US earlier this year found growing concern among workers over AI’s capacity to eradicate jobs. Fifty-six per cent of professionals feel that job opportunities will decrease, while those that use AI tools were most alarmed by the prospect of this technology replacing people. The equivalent UK survey revealed that just 32% of people think the public sector workplace will be positively impacted, with 74% believing that it will result in fewer jobs (with just 5% predicting more opportunities). 

Where does this leave us humans? Jamie Dimon, CEO at JPMorgan Chase, foresees a world in which workers adapt, rather than sit out: “If AI changes jobs and operations elsewhere, we’ll deal with it… We love to retrain people, redeploy them, re-educate them.” 

With the need to upskill and reskill clearer than ever, workers must respond. In addition to learning outside of work, this involves finding ways to retrain with employers. In their 2024 global report, ADP Research uncovered that just over half of workers who feel strongly about AI are getting the workplace skills training they need. Is your organisation making the same effort? 

Soft skills – and problem-solving in particular – grow in importance 

As technology’s reach extends to new areas of the workplace, people should flex the soft skills that set us up for success. Otherwise known as human or transferable skills, these capabilities are the ones that AI will struggle to replicate effectively. Indeed, YouGov’s UK report on AI found that respondents were reluctant for processes such as decision-making or HR responsibilities to leave the remit of trained professionals. 

Following the pandemic, a white paper on Industry 5.0 and its impact found that problem-solving abilities would be the most valuable in 2025 and beyond. Another investigation by the World Economic Forum also found that five of the top ten skills by 2025 would relate to problem-solving and critical thinking. 

It appears that these forecasts are coming to pass. Whether by complementing AI’s output or working with other humans on complex challenges, developing and utilising this skillset is going to help you succeed. 

Where will we work? 

2024 was the year that Amazon decided that employees should return to the office five days a week. In Australia, public servants in the state of New South Wales have also been ordered back full-time, while the UK’s new chancellor believes in the same. On top of this, a KPMG survey of 1,300 CEOs worldwide found that 83% expect a full return to office within three years – up from 64% in 2023. 

The UK government has announced new laws on flexible working, closely aligning with the EU’s own policy that grants workers the right to request this. Japan and Malaysia introduced legislation in 2024 that offers the same opportunity to parents (like in the EU), with Singapore to follow suit in December. However, employers can refuse any requests on several grounds, especially if the applicants are not primary caregivers. 

While supposed increases in productivity and collaboration are often cited as reasons to end remote working, it appears that there are other benefits for companies who are struggling financially. BambooHR reported that a quarter of VP and C-suite executives hoped employees would quit rather than return to the office, reducing the need to make layoffs. The bad news for people who prefer remote working model is that the economic factors behind this aren’t changing anytime soon. 

Despite this, news of Amazon’s mandate has been met with scepticism and criticism in many quarters. In Hays’ UK What Workers Want report, professionals named flexibility as the second most important factor when deciding between employers (after salary). In the rest of Europe and the Middle East, over half of workers surveyed in Hays Salary Guides confirmed flexible working as their most important benefit.  

Not every organisation will be as bold as Amazon, and remote working opportunities will be out there in 2025. For example, employers in Australia and New Zealand aren’t ready to make changes, with 74% confirming that their current model will remain the same in 2025. However, this setup could be less common than in recent years, so it’s up to you to decide whether it’s a dealbreaker. Given that some leaders have already confessed that the policy should lead to resignations, will you do the same if your employer takes this step?  

Does contracting offer skilled workers greater satisfaction? 

In a recent edition of his LinkedIn newsletter, Hays CEO, Dirk Hahn outlined the benefits for organisations in making contract workers a part of the blended workforce. The reality is that these contractors can offer employers greater flexibility and lower costs at a time when budgets are tight. During research for the Salary Guide in Australia and New Zealand, Hays found a 7% increase in companies planning to hire temporary workers compared to last year. 

The good news for workers is that contracting also offers them greater flexibility. In fact, during research for the Hays US and Canada Salary Guides this year, 47% of contractors cited this as the main reason to leave behind permanent roles. If you can line up contracts back-to-back, there’s also the likelihood that your skillset could earn you higher compensation over the course of a year, as well as the opportunity to develop important skills. These advantages will only improve as organisations further incorporate contractors into workforce planning, as well as emerging technologies and changing legislation in some parts. 

For those skilled individuals who prioritise flexibility, contracting might be the answer. However, it’s not a transition that can be made quickly. Embarking on this career path involves setting up your business correctly under the relevant tax rules, being proactive in self-promotion and brand building, and having the right attitude towards networking. You can find out more on how to get started as a contractor here. 

Sustainability goals can’t be dumped on the wayside 

Could businesses’ current pursuit of short-term profits come at the expense of their sustainability pledges? As organisations tighten the purse strings and reallocate investment, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) might be set to suffer. 

According to Deloitte’s 2024 Sustainability Action Report, businesses are continuing to commit to reporting but admit that challenges are holding them back. How can you hold your employers to account and ensure these obstacles don’t impact the progress of recent years? 

Kirsty Green-Mann, Hays’ Global Head of Sustainability, advises: “Despite economic challenges, ESG continues to remain high on the agenda, particularly due to increasing regulation and customer demand for stronger credentials. 

“Asking the relevant questions of your organisation demonstrates that employees are interested and that it’s important for employers to stick to their commitments. Keeping an eye on what competitors are doing and sharing information on general trends as to why this continues to be important can also help.” 

As we mark World Mental Health Day, this blog outlines five practical steps to enhance your mental wellbeing. 

Whether you’re working remotely or in a shared workspace, our advice is designed to help you look after your mental health in a modern world of work. 

Let’s dive into these ideas and discover how small changes can make a big impact on your overall wellbeing. 

5 steps to mental wellbeing 

1) Stay connected to coworkers 

While the possibility for many of us to work remotely has led to a healthier work-life balance, it’s largely resulted in us having fewer daily interactions with coworkers. 

If you’re based remotely, try to regularly check in with those you work closely with throughout the day. Kicking off each morning with a quick message and closing your working day similarly can help you feel less isolated. You might even want to schedule a regular catch-up call at the start or end of each week, which provides an opportunity for the casual conversations (for example about the weekend) that would naturally occur in a communal workspace.  

Of course, even if you’re working among colleagues in a workspace, that doesn’t necessarily eradicate your sense of isolation. Try to take regular coffee breaks to have a chat, and make the most of the opportunity to discuss work matters face to face. 

2) Take care of your physical wellbeing 

Your physical health has a big impact on your mental wellbeing. 

What do you eat during the day? Snacks such as fruits and nuts will keep your body fuelled while providing important nutrients. At the same time, rewarding yourself with a less healthy treat every now and then can do wonders for boosting your mood. 

Avoid rushing your lunch break, too. Granted, this can be difficult when you are busy – it feels like pushing through and clearing your to-do list will make you feel better, which can be the case. However, studies reveal that proper lunch breaks boost productivity, allowing you to recharge and reset before your afternoon tasks, which you’ll then complete to a higher standard. Taking this time to get away from work can also help to combat burnout. 

A good way to spend your lunch break is by exercising. Research has shown that nature can play a part in reducing anxiety and depression, so a short stroll or run can not only break up the working day, but improve your mental wellbeing in the process. If the weather isn’t conducive to this, an indoor yoga session or even a trip to the gym can keep you active. 

3) Pause to reflect 

Take 10-15 minutes at the end of each working day to log your thoughts in a journal. You can write a number of things that can help you to improve your mental wellbeing in the short and long term: 

  • Current feelings – the act of writing out what’s on your mind can help in alleviating stress and anxiety.  
  • Goals for tomorrow – planning ahead can help you to visualise your upcoming tasks, break them down into smaller ones and realise how manageable each of them are. As leading UK mental health charity Mind notes, in setting these targets, you’re also ensuring that you can quantify everything you’re doing right, thereby motivating you for the future. 
  • Today’s achievements – think about the accomplishments you haven’t yet acknowledged or rewarded yourself for (more on this next). 
  • Things that have made you happy – finish your day by focusing on what went well and think about how you can replicate this tomorrow. 

4) Celebrate achievements – however small 

If your mental health in the workplace is deteriorating, it’s a good idea to celebrate when things go right. After all, your big successes are the sum of smaller ones, so why not recognise these achievements too? 

According to Psychology Today: “Research shows that recognizing small successes activates the brain’s reward system, which releases dopamine and reinforces positive behavior. This process fosters a sense of accomplishment and progress and boosts self-efficacy and self-esteem.” 

There’s no right answer to what constitutes an accomplishment worthy of celebration. They could include: 

  • Signing off on one stage of a project 
  • Kudos from colleagues/stakeholders 
  • Reaching a milestone 
  • Organising your files/calendar 

5) Reach out for support 

Although this is the last point on our list, by no means should you consider it a last resort. Many people find it difficult to not just articulate how or why they’re struggling, but finding someone in which they can confide. 

If you’re able to speak to a doctor, they should be able to offer specific advice to help you in your situation, refer you to specialist or prescribe treatment. 

At most organisations, the first people to consider speaking to are your line manager or somebody in HR. However, before you do this, it’s worth exploring whether there are any special resources available to you. 

Here at Hays, I’m proud to have received training as a Mental Health First Aider to support my colleagues. A recent poll by Hays on LinkedIn found that 44% of over 4,000 respondents would feel most comfortable discussing any mental health issues with a mental health first aider – a higher proportion than voted for an HR representative or their line manager. Find out whether your employer has such a person in your workplace and, if not, suggest it as an improvement. 

Did you find this blog useful? Check out more content around mental health and burnout: 

Are you looking for a new job, making a career change, or just starting out? To boost your chances of success, it’s essential to think about your transferable skills. 

But what are transferable skills, and why do they matter? Let’s explore these valuable assets with examples to help you understand how these skills can elevate your career. 

What are transferable skills? 

Transferable skills are abilities and talents that apply across a number of jobs or industries . Unlike technical skills, which are often specific to a particular job or industry, transferable skills are versatile. You can use these portable skills in a wide range of contexts. We can also refer to transferable skills as soft skills.  

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, transferable skills can connect your past experiences to new opportunities. 

Common transferable skills examples  

Understanding what transferable skills are is just the beginning. It’s essential to identify your own transferable skills and to think of relevant examples for each. This list of transferable skills features some of the most common and sought-after attributes in a new employee:

Communication skills

Whether verbal or written, effective communication is critical in nearly every job. Sometimes people forget that communication involves listening skills as well as conveying information clearly. By listening well, you can respond appropriately to others.  

Good communicators can adapt their style to suit different audiences, making this skill highly transferable across any role. You can demonstrate this skill interview by responding confidently and concisely to interview questions. 

Leadership skills 

Employers also value leadership skills. Good leaders should inspire those you work with toward a common goal. Leadership skills help to drive success, whether you’re leading a project, mentoring colleagues or managing a team.  

Even if you haven’t led a team before, think of a time when you motivated others or encouraged them with a new idea. 

Problem-solving skills 

Every job will involve its own set of challenges. That is why problem-solving should definitely be a skill on your CV. This involves analysing a situation, identifying possible solutions and implementing the best resolution. 

From customer-facing roles to leading at the executive level, it’s important to solve problems and challenges in a positive way. Think about times you’ve solved a problem proactively; anecdotes will help to demonstrate your transferable skills in an interview. 

Teamwork skills 

Collaboration is key in most workplaces. It’s important to show prospective employers that you can be a team player to achieve a shared goal.

Answer interview questions by describing your ability to: 

  •  work well with others
  • understand different perspectives 
  • contribute to group successes.  

Time management skills 

No matter your career path, you’ll need to prioritise tasks, manage your workload and meet deadlines. Time management skills help to increase productivity and effectiveness, so employers are keen to hire someone with good organisational skills. To demonstrate this skill, try to describe specific approaches or tools that you use to manage your time. 

Adaptability skills 

The ability to adapt to new situations, technologies or job roles is crucial in rapidly changing work environments. Adaptability involves: 

  • being open to change 
  • learning new skills quickly 
  • adjusting confidently to new challenges.  

This transferable skill is particularly important in industries that experience frequent change or innovation. 

Analytical skills 

Analysing data, spotting trends and making informed decisions are essential in many fields. Analytical skills allow you to: 

  • understand complex information  
  • use data and experience to make decisions 
  • inform problem solving 
  • identify opportunities to innovate. 

If you’re asked to complete an interview task, take the opportunity to demonstrate your attention to detail. Analyse the task at hand and don’t be afraid to present questions back to the interviewer.

Project management skills 

The ability to plan, execute, and oversee a project from start to finish is an asset in many roles. Project management is a highly transferable skill across industries. Even without formal qualifications in project management, try to demonstrate your: 

  • Organised approach 
  • Leadership skills 
  • Time & budget management 
  • Communication skills. 

How transferable skills can help you in your career  

Enhance your CV  

Transferable skills are important to add to your CV. Employers seek technical ability for the role you are applying for. However, they also search for soft skills that will further benefit the company and the team. 

Make sure to include transferable skills in your CV, in both the work experience and skills sections. Include specific examples to help show the employer these skills in action. 

Ace your interview 

During interviews, employers often ask questions designed to assess your transferable skills. Be prepared with specific examples that showcase these skills in action.  

For example, you might describe a situation where your communication skills helped to resolve a conflict. You could also describe a situation where your leadership skills guided a team to success. Remember, you can draw upon examples from extracurricular activities as well as past jobs. 

Transition into a new career more easily  

If you’re considering a career change, transferable skills can link your previous experience to your new career path.

Starting a new job can be daunting, but your transferable skills can help you to hit the ground running. Your ability to adapt, manage time, and collaborate with new colleagues is essential when settling into a new environment. As you gain experience and take on new challenges, your skills will grow and evolve, making you a more well-rounded professional.

Transferable skills are the foundation of a successful career. By identifying and mastering these skills, you can open doors to new opportunities and ease transitions. Doing so will help you position yourself as a strong candidate no matter where your career takes you.

For more career advice, including CV tips and interview tips, explore these blogs from Hays:

Having left England to work in several countries over the past 25 years, it’s fair to say that I’ve had to adapt in a number of ways. First and foremost, wherever I’ve been, I’ve had to reevaluate the way I communicate. 

In fact, I’d say that many of the challenges I expected to face each time revolved around this. For example, would I be able to convey my ideas to colleagues, partners and clients? Do I need to adapt my leadership style? 

It was moving to Japan that really made me stop and think about the ways we communicate. Although the majority of my professional conversations were happening with other foreign nationals or fluent English speakers, things were very different outside the business world. Most people spoke little to no English, while certain customs – such as blowing one’s nose in public – are deemed highly inappropriate! 

Why is it important to improve communication skills? 

Nose blowing aside, improving your communication skills is important for long-term career success. While this applies at all stages of your career, it’s particularly useful if you’re looking to take on a leadership role. Improvement here will help you to: 

  • Relay information 
  • Motivate others 
  • Resolve conflict 
  • Conduct negotiations 

Which methods of communication need to be improved? 

In my opinion, there are three primary branches of personal communication: 

  1. Verbal communication 
  1. Non-verbal communication (such as body language) 
  1. Communication via a third party (such as technology). 

10 ways to improve your communication skills 

1. Listen 

This be a bit of a cliché, but it’s true. Success in the workplace is about collaboration, which is extremely difficult to achieve when one colleague refuses to listen to another’s point of view. Listening to others means learning something new, while leaders should ensure that any discussions are comprised of equal contributions from all parties – this improves the chances of a successful result and earns respect in the process. 

 2. Check your body language 

A highly regarded study found that 55% of all communication is actually non-verbal. Of course, it’s difficult to be so precise consistently, but the point stands that body language significantly impacts people’s perception of you. 

How can you monitor and improve this? Try to avoid defensive actions, such as crossing your arms while talking to someone. Conducting meetings over video has made this easier – you can check your appearance to make sure you look engaged (don’t look too often, though, or it’ll have the opposite effect!) 

This brings me to the next point… 

3. Where possible, communicate in person 

Let’s be clear, this doesn’t mean insisting that every meeting you have is face to face. In fact, every point on this list can be applied when working remotely or in a hybrid model. 

What I’m talking about is, when together in person, sending an email or message to somebody sat close by enough that you could speak to. Why? These forms of communication could be misinterpreted – the recipient doesn’t have the benefit of hearing your tone of voice or seeing your body language. It might take more confidence, though, which leads me to… 

4. Project confidence 

This can be a tricky one to get right, but it goes a long way in improving your communication skills. Speaking with conviction – without coming across as arrogant or too overbearing – is one of the best ways to get your point across and build faith in your insights and ideas. 

Don’t worry if this don’t come naturally to you. In fact, the very action of pretending that you’re confident will go a long way. Here are seven ways to communicate more confidently. 

5. Know your audience 

There are many ways in which your audience will differ and it’s your challenge to cater for them in the way that you communicate. Think about: 

  • The person you’re communicating with: This is particularly important for leaders. You’ll need to know how to motivate each member of your team – and I can guarantee you it won’t be the same across the board. Get more advice on that here. 
  • How knowledgeable your audience is: Are you speaking to subject-matter experts, or do you need to provide more background information to fill them in? 
  • The purpose of the communication: Is this an informal catch-up? Or are you presenting to senior stakeholders? Adapt your tone and style accordingly. 
  • The method of communication: If you’re talking in person, how much information will the audience retain? Similarly, you don’t want to pack an email full of data. Use slide decks to get across key information – save the in-depth insights for reports. 

6. Be sensitive to cultural differences 

As I alluded to in the introduction, you must remain aware of what is regarded as improper etiquette in other cultures. It’s your obligation to do your research and conduct yourself in a way that doesn’t offend. 

7. Think about the when and how 

To communicate effectively, it’s important to be completely focused and engaged. This may seem obvious but, in today’s working world where many communications are no longer in person, it can he harder to judge. 

Is the recipient ready themselves? If so, what’s the best way to communicate? While an in-person conversation or a video call is optimal, an email makes it easier to pass on important information that the recipient may need to retain or reference. In which case, do you need to call to provide additional context? 

8. Stay cool 

Being stressed happens. As much as we try, sometimes it’s unavoidable and overwhelming. However, those moments of frustration should not be the times to resolve a serious situation. 

Why? It’s on occasions that you’re most likely to misinterpret the other person or say something regrettable. I’d advise standing back and taking time to consider the situation comprehensively before proceeding. Likewise, when writing a blunt email, save a draft first and return to it later before sending. 

Of course, there are some situations where you’ll have to act immediately. My advice would be to try and remove any emotion, instead focusing on what’s actually being said. It can be tricky to separate the other person and the message, but you must remain professional for your own sake. 

9. Give and receive feedback 

You can’t avoid giving feedback in leadership. It’s also a valuable device in more junior or contractor roles, too. You can find advice on how to do this effectively here. 

Likewise, you must be amenable to receiving feedback. You may not necessarily find it useful, but it’s an important form of communication and shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand. Read more on being open to feedback here. 

10. Use humour 

My final point isn’t always applicable and, like acting confidently, won’t come naturally to everyone. However, humour remains an effective tool in improving your communication skills. Use it for: 

  • Brightening uneventful conversations 
  • Breaking the ice during a presentation 
  • Defusing tense situations 
  • Showing that you’re friendly and approachable 

Looking for more guidance on soft skills? Read our blogs: 

Even though I enjoy my holidays, I consider myself very fortunate to love my job too. Having rested up and recharged over a vacation, I’m not ashamed to say that part of me looks forward to getting back to work, reconnecting with colleagues and tackling the next challenge.

That doesn’t mean that I don’t sometimes come back to work with a case of the post-holiday blues, though. It can take time to readjust, but I know from experience that I’ll get through the first couple of days and be able to throw myself headfirst into my tasks with a refreshed attitude.

However, what if those first few days of the post-holiday blues turn into a couple of weeks? As you keep casting your mind back to your time off, or start planning your next one, it could be that what you really need is a more permanent change of scenery – a new job.

Let’s look at some of the signs that it’s actually time to start your next job search.

Five signs to start a job search when you get back to work

1) Going into holiday mode way before you actually leave

It’s completely normal to be excited for your holiday. However, there’s a difference between letting your mind wander, and mentally checking out in the build-up to your vacation because you couldn’t wait to get away from the workplace:

Signs include:

  • Poor concentration
  • Letting your performance slip
  • Thinking that you’ll deal with challenges when you get back
  • Putting little or no effort into a handover email or document

2) Feeling happy and relaxed for the first time in a while

Did your holiday make you realise that this was the first time in ages that you’d felt happy? Of course, only a very lucky few enjoy their job 100% of the time, but those frustrating or stressful moments should be few and far between.

Finding the right job means being happy and feeling that the effort you put in is worth it. In fact, your role should afford you a healthy work-life balance that means you don’t require a holiday in order to totally unwind.

3) Deliberately avoiding any talk about your work

When you’re trying to relax, it’s natural that you’re not going to bring up work. However, if you’re making an active effort not to mention it, even if it comes up naturally in conversation, then there could be a bigger reason for wanting to avoid it.

Namely, that you want to pretend it doesn’t exist and that you won’t have to go back to work once your holiday is over. Did you find yourself thinking this while you were off?

4) Not looking forward to going back to work at all

Were you dreading your return to work, or even experiencing some post-holiday blues before it was even over?

If you were unable to find any reason whatsoever to miss your workplace, from your colleagues to your company’s purpose, then you’ll struggle to stay motivated now that you’re back. In fact. I’d actually say that it’s the clearest signal to move onto something that you do miss while you’re on holiday (even if it is just a little bit).

5) When you return to work, it feels like you never had a holiday

On top of those post-holiday blues, you might have returned to your previous state of mind so strongly that it doesn’t even feel like you were away. If your time off already feels like a distant memory and those familiar stressors and frustrations have come back to work with you, then you might struggle to find anything that can improve your attitude toward your current workplace.

Is it more serious than post-holiday blues?

Does the above sound familiar? If so, here are some steps you can take: