Future of work

In this report, the authors call for a Canadian competency framework for essential skills that covers “soft skills” and other essential skills identified by industry leaders as being key to success. This report summarizes the research on definitions and frameworks. Soft skills help workers navigate career changes, engage in continuous learning and manage change. Among other uses, competency frameworks help develop, classify and recognize skills, knowledge and competencies to assist employers better assess candidates during recruitment. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) developed a Skills and Competency Taxonomy that the report recommends should be linked to occupations to fill a crucial labour market information gap. Canada lags in adult literacy and training compared to other countries due to lack of employer investment, particularly from the private sector. The paper concludes with critical areas for further research on skills and competencies — including how best to measure social and emotional skills — and what the relevance and impact of these skills is on employers’ outputs and long-term employee retention.