Communication skills were rated as more important than mathematics, science, and technical skills (Evans, Beakley, Crouch, & Yamaguchi, 1993).

The shortage of soft skills is a problem that is already manifesting in the UK workforce. As reported in Forbes, a survey by Tempo found that 54% of employers who took part found that they struggled to find employees with the right soft skills, with 51% saying this affected business growth, and 32% stating it had caused serious damage to their business (such as loss of customers). However, that same survey also stated that only 10% of employers are investing in soft skills training over technical skills.