June 2015 — “Soft skills,” those attributes that allow individuals to successfully navigate their work environments, are centrally important for human capital development and workforce success. Nevertheless, a soft skills “gap” is noted by many employers around the world, who report that job candidates lack the soft skills needed to fill available positions.
This report helps bring clarity to the field by identifying social skills, communication, higher-order thinking, self-control and positive self-concept as five critical skills that increase the chance that youth ages 15–29 will be successful in the workforce. These findings emerge from a multifaceted study that includes an extensive review of research, as well as broad stakeholder input. Youth who develop these soft skills were shown to be better able to identify, use and communicate their strengths; relate well to others; make good decisions; and contribute to their workplaces and communities, leading to a range of positive workforce outcomes.
Workforce Connections: Kenya Health Sector Labor Market Assessment
May 2015 — This study examines market dynamics influencing the demand for health and health-related sector workers in Kenya, as well as working conditions and other factors influencing supply. Drawing on existing assets and tools under the Workforce Connections project and available data sources, including the Kenya Health Workforce Information System and the Global Trade Atlas, the study presents novel visualizations of demand and supply data and economic trend analyses.
Workforce Connections: Kenya Youth Assessment
August 2014 — This rapid assessment of the Kenyan youth workforce and labor market aimed to assist in determining the best strategic fit for youth programming.
Workforce Connections: Zimbabwe Labor Market Assessment
October 2014 — FHI 360’s Workforce Connections project conducted a labor market assessment (LMA) to systematically analyze Zimbabwe’s labor market system to better inform the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.K. Department for International Development on youth employment and entrepreneurship programing. Researchers assessed overall economic trends and patterns, the resulting demand for skills and workers, and the supply of workers and skills. The assessment was conducted at the request of the USAID Mission in Zimbabwe.