The Importance of Adaptability in the Workplace

English physicist Stephen Hawking once famously said “Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.”

This adaptability is a key trait for anyone’s success in the workplace as it means they’re prepared for change and can respond accordingly.

In previous blogs this month I’ve considered the meaning of adaptability and how to be adaptable.

I now want to discuss the importance of adaptability.

In the workplace, adaptable people can confidently navigate evolving circumstances – a valuable asset as the world comes to terms with remote and hybrid ways of working following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adaptability isn’t just something that can make employees more effective – it can also improve their wellbeing, as it means they’re better prepared to deal with change. 

Indeed, adaptability has become a ‘soft skill’ eagerly sought after by employers. 

Soft skills are sometimes the hardest! Photo Frank Rolando Romero Unsplash

Employers are buying into flexible job descriptions and rotation of roles, as against single positions.

A 2020 Harvard Business School survey showed that 71% of 1,500 executives from more than 90 countries said adaptability was the most important quality they looked for in a leader (Source: www.hbr.org).

And data from a 2021 McKinsey & Company study revealed people proficient in adaptability were 24% more likely to be employed (Source: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance). 

Adaptability can be defined as modifying or changing behaviour to adapt to or suit a new environment.

In the workplace, this means being open to current ideas, innovations, or alterations.

Someone with this skill can work independently or in groups, or perform tasks not designed only for a single individual.

Adaptability is a sought-after competency as it shows the individual can adapt to innovative technology trends and ever-changing customer needs.

It’s also connected to career progression as the employee becomes more equipped and versatile.

An adaptable employee can implement multiple tasks, perform various assignments by establishing priorities, and make attitudinal changes to align with the new culture.

Look out for the final blog in this series on adaptability – the benefits of being adaptable in the workplace.

If you’d like to explore the subject of adaptability more deeply, please contact me via Email: russell@theresiliencecoach.co.uk.