By Freddie De Luca, Director of Training and Development
The world of work is undergoing a seismic shift. Will most of us lose our jobs to AI by 2030? Not at all, according to the WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. In fact, there will be a net increase in jobs by 2030, despite displacement.
What will change is the skillset needed to secure those jobs. There are two core areas where upskilling is needed: technical (e.g. AI, cyber) and personal/interpersonal. These are clear in the report’s list:
What stands out to us – is the resonance with the work we do at Calm Mediation. Conflict prevention and resolution in the workplace stems from addressing interpersonal skills.
Commonly known as ‘soft skills’, they are often more noticeable by their absence than through dedicated skills training. The good news is that this is evolving and, if the WEF forecast is anything to go by, now is the time for employers and individuals to invest in these skills, particularly those listed at 4 to 8 above.
Our experience stems not just from resolving conflicts which have escalated but also from training people as workplace mediators. Our training highlights the importance of key aspects including:
- Self-awareness
How do you respond to interpersonal friction?
What motivates you?
- Curiosity
What is underlying the other person’s stance?
- Creativity
Do you have the flexibility and agility to be able to look at the situation afresh and find a win/win solution?
Once they are understood, these skills are applicable to every interaction – giving individuals a confidence and resilience to thrive within workplace teams, benefitting their organisations too.
The versatility of these interpersonal skills is amazing. Our range of workplace mediators offers solutions for 1:1 disputes, team difficulties, inter-agency challenges, and personal conflict coaching when appropriate.
Calm Mediation proudly supports workforce upskilling in two areas.
- We train new adult workplace mediators, provide opportunities for them to implement that training, and then put it into practice alongside an experienced co-mediator.
- We train young people in schools, through Peer Mediation, who will – in time – become our workforce of tomorrow.
Our ethos as a charity includes maintaining accessible pricing and using the co-mediation (two mediators) model. This attracts the broadest range of workplace mediation clients and trainees, from international advocacy institutions to local authorities, unions, arts and educational institutions, as well as local community groups.
We are proud to be contributing to the UK ‘skills bank’ needed, in line with the WEF report, for 2030 and beyond.
Find out about out Workplace Mediation course details here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1307955081859
If you have a workplace situation that might benefit from mediation – find out more here or get in touch workplace@calmmediation.org
