Resumo

Academia and organizations have interest in soft skills and spirituality at workplace, due to its impact on business performance (Deepa & Seth, 2013; Dixon et al., 2010; Duchon & Plowman, 2005; Hassan et al., 2013). Literature illustrate the most important skills to have in the work place with contrasting findings (Matteson et al., 2016). Teleworking was an important topic, but COVID-19 made it imperative (Dey et al., 2020; Góes et al., 2021; Nguyen & Armoogum, 2021; Yasenov, 2020). The pandemic scenario led employees to telecommuting, moreover it brought other dimensions of life home as well.

Literature on soft skills, spirituality and teleworking are the basis of this study, aiming to evaluate its importance in current days: not only teleworking was imposed rather than chosen by employees, but all aspects of life were also brought home. What are the most important soft skills? Is workplace spirituality perceived as important when teleworking? Which skills gain or lose importance? This research aims to investigate the importance of inter and intrapersonal skills and the feeling of purpose and belonging, based on perception of a sample of Brazilian teleworkers on this scenario.

Soft skills are core for success in the workplace (Dean, 2017; Kyllonen, 2013), impacting on business performance (Deepa & Seth, 2013; Dixon et al., 2010; Hassan et al., 2013). Soft skills definition and the most important ones present contrasting findings (Matteson et al., 2016). Spirituality at workplace impacts on performance, it is related purpose, meaning and connection (Duchon & Plowman, 2005). COVID-19 increased telework relevance (Dey et al., 2020; Góes et al., 2021; Nguyen & Armoogum, 2021; Yasenov, 2020). Infrastructure and combination with face-to-face is presented (Gorlick, 2020).

The study used an online anonymous survey. The survey was based on an inventory of ten most important soft skills for the workplace in the perception American executives (Robles, 2012), chosen for comparison. Spirituality at work was added. The survey was sent to a convenience sample of Brazilian Teleworkers through social media, e-mails and snowballing method. The questionnaire was open from 21/05/2021 to 08/06/2021 and amassed 177 responses. The survey captured the perception on the skills using a five-point Likert scale and the choice three skills that gained and lost importance.

Integrity, responsibility and work ethic are top important skills, at least 95% of respondents deeming “extremely important” or “very important”. This skills can support self-discipline, a trait important to achieve good results in teleworking (Smith et al., 2018). Communication was deemed to be extremely important too, which consents with the literature (Dixon et al., 2010; França & Mellet, 2016; John, 2009; Pazil & Razak, 2019; Robles, 2012). Spirituality, positive attitude and personal presentation were perceived with lower importance. The skills were categorized on 4 importance levels.

The study analyzed the importance on soft skills and spirituality on current teleworking scenario. Most important skills: integrity, responsibility and work ethic, followed by communication, flexibility and teamwork. These finding converge to the literature, self-discipline and communication were expected to be key. Spirituality was not considered important, conversely to the literature. Would this perception be caused by the feeling of belonging filled by family and friends, merged on personal and professional lives? Or the scenario is so stressful one cannot think about internal connection?

Deepa, S. & Seth, M. (2013). Do Soft Skills Matter? Implications for Educators Based on Recruiters’ Perspective. The IUP Journal of Soft Skills, 7(1), 7. Dixon, J., Belnap, C., Albrecht, C. & Lee, K. (2010). The Importance of Soft Skills. Corporate Finance Review, 14(6), 35–38. Duchon, D. & Plowman, D. A. (2005). Nurturing the spirit at work: Impact on work unit performance. Leadership Quarterly, 16(5), 807–833. Matteson, M. L., Robles, M. M. (2012). Executive Perceptions of the Top 10 Soft Skills Needed in Today’s Workplace. Business Communication Quarterly, 75(4), 453–465.