Soft Skills Training Market

Soft Skills Training Market Size and Share:

The global soft skills training market size was valued at USD 33.39 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 92.59 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.40% during 2025-2033. North America currently dominates the market, holding a significant market share of over 32.9% in 2024, driven by a strong demand for leadership development, communication skills, and workforce adaptability.

The soft-skills training market is propelled by the growing demand for workforce development and employability enhancement across industries. Employers are focusing on communication, leadership, teamwork, adaptability as well as on problem-solving oriented skills due to efficiency and collaboration in the workplace. For instance, in March 2024, as per industry reports, soft skills training boosts job performance and retention, yet only 35% of organizations offer it. 63% of employees who received training reported a positive impact on their work. With the rise of automation and artificial intelligence (AI), human-centric skills have become critical for career advancement. Additionally, organizations are investing in corporate training programs to enhance employee engagement and productivity. The widespread adoption of e-learning platforms and virtual training solutions further supports market growth, enabling businesses to provide flexible and scalable soft skills training to a geographically dispersed workforce.

The United States is a key player in the soft skills training market, driven by its advanced corporate learning ecosystem and strong emphasis on professional development. Leading education technology firms, corporate training providers, and universities offer specialized programs in leadership, communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence to enhance workforce capabilities, representing one of the key soft skills training market trends. The widespread adoption of e-learning, AI-driven coaching, and virtual training solutions enables businesses to upskill employees efficiently. For instance, in September 2024, UPS, Walmart, and Volvo Group announced the adoption of VR for training, from battery replacement and package handling to soft skills, helping employees navigate real-world scenarios like customer interactions and field challenges. Government-backed workforce development initiatives and collaborations with private sector organizations further strengthen the market, ensuring a highly skilled and adaptable workforce across industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

Soft Skills Training Market Trends:

Evolving global workforce dynamics

The modern business landscape has matured into a globally interconnected environment wherein professionals interact across cultural boundaries. As reported, the total number of employed persons aged between 20 and 64 years in the EU in 2023 stood at 195,708,000, which is about 75.3% of all persons in the corresponding age group. As the companies internationalize their operations, the paramount requirement is the ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with colleagues, partners, and clients from divergent cultural backgrounds. These vast requirements have indeed triggered the expansion of the soft skills training market. Soft skills training programs provide individuals with insights into the nuances of communication, fostering mutual understanding and reducing potential miscommunication. Increased cross-cultural competence enables practitioners to form good working relationships, negotiate wisely, and manage complex social dynamics. Today, the global nature of business demands professionals who can easily blend into different cultural contexts, thus making soft skills training a vital investment for individual practitioners and organizations wanting to thrive in such a multicultural environment.

Rapid technological advancements

The rapid advancements of technology and the increasing integration of automation in various industries have reshaped the employment landscape. According to reports, in 2024, 13.48% of EU enterprises used AI technologies. While technical skills remain vital, the need for uniquely human qualities has grown significantly. Soft skills like creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence are pivotal in driving innovation, problem-solving, and adapting to evolving technological scenarios. Organizations recognize that these human-centric skills are not easily replaceable by automation and algorithms. As a result, the demand for soft skills training has escalated as companies seek to cultivate a workforce capable of blending technical expertise with the ability to envision new solutions, make informed decisions, and connect with customers on an emotional level. In an era marked by technological disruption, soft skills training offers a competitive edge by nurturing attributes that machines cannot replicate.

Rising remote and hybrid work models

The paradigm shift toward remote and hybrid work models has brought about unique challenges and opportunities for the workforce. For instance, by 2030, the number of global digital jobs that can be performed remotely from anywhere is expected to rise by roughly 25% to around 92 Million. Soft skills training has emerged as a critical driver in this context. Virtual communication skills, self-motivation, time management, and adaptability are now central to maintaining productivity and teamwork in dispersed environments. Soft skills training equips individuals with the tools to communicate effectively through digital platforms, collaborate seamlessly across distances, and manage their workloads independently. As traditional office structures give way to flexible work arrangements, organizations recognize the significance of nurturing soft skills that allow employees to thrive regardless of their physical location. Soft skills training empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of remote work, ensuring they remain connected, engaged, and productive in a virtual work environment.

Soft Skills Training Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global soft skills training market, along with forecast at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on soft skill type, channel provider, sourcing, delivery mode, and end-use industry.

Analysis by Soft Skill Type:

• Management and Leadership 
• Administration and Secretarial
• Communication and Productivity
• Personal Development
• Teamwork
• Others

Communication and productivity stand as the largest component in 2024, holding around 41.2% of the market. Communication is the art of conveying information, ideas, and emotions effectively between individuals. Productivity, on the other hand, pertains to the ability to efficiently manage tasks and resources to achieve desired goals. Both communication and productivity are intertwined drivers in the soft skills training market. Effective communication fosters collaboration, reduces misunderstandings, and enhances team cohesion, which in turn boosts overall productivity. Soft skills training equips individuals with communication techniques, active listening, and conflict resolution strategies, enabling them to work cohesively and maximize productivity. Moreover, improved productivity leads to greater efficiency and performance within organizations, resulting in positive outcomes and increased demand for soft skills training. As businesses recognize the pivotal role of communication in driving productivity, professionals and organizations are investing in honing these critical abilities to gain a competitive edge in today's interconnected world, thus propelling market growth.

 Analysis by Channel Provider:

• Corporate/Enterprise
• Academic/Education
• Government

Corporate/enterprise leads the market with around 58% of the soft skills training market share in 2024. Corporate/enterprise serves as a significant channel provider, facilitating the distribution and implementation of soft skills training programs within large-scale organizations. These entities recognize the transformative impact of effective interpersonal skills on employee performance, team dynamics, and overall organizational success. By partnering with specialized training providers, corporations and enterprises can access tailored soft skills training content, workshops, and courses that align with their unique objectives and industry demands. As corporate/enterprise channel providers integrate these programs into their internal training initiatives, they foster a culture of continuous learning and development. This strategic approach enhances employee engagement and satisfaction and drives organizational growth by nurturing a workforce adept at communication, collaboration, and adaptability. As a result, the active involvement of corporate/enterprise entities as channel providers contributes significantly to the expansion and relevance of the soft skills training market.

Analysis by Sourcing:

• In-house
• Outsourced

Outsourced leads the market with around 66.2% of market share in 2024. Outsourced, refers to the practice of obtaining goods or services from external suppliers rather than producing them internally. Within the soft skills training market, outsourcing involves organizations enlisting specialized training providers to deliver comprehensive programs tailored to their needs. This approach enhances efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and expertise in delivering impactful soft skills training. Moreover, outsourcing training initiatives to experts allows businesses to access a wide range of training modules, workshops, and resources without the need for in-house development. This, in turn, fuels the soft skills training market by enabling organizations to focus on their core activities while ensuring that employees receive high-quality training to enhance communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. Outsourcing aligns with the growing emphasis on holistic employee development, contributing to the expansion and sustained growth of the soft skills training market.

Analysis by Delivery Mode:

• Online
• Offline

Offline leads the market with around 54.6% of market share in 2024. Offline, as a mode of delivery, refers to the traditional method of conducting soft skills training in physical, face-to-face settings, rather than through online platforms. Offline training drives the soft skills training industry by providing a personalized and interactive learning experience. It allows participants to engage directly with trainers, peers, and real-life scenarios, fostering active communication, role-playing, and experiential learning. This mode is particularly effective for enhancing interpersonal skills like communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution, as participants practice and receive immediate feedback. Offline training also caters to diverse learning styles and facilitates networking, team building, and the formation of meaningful connections. As organizations recognize the value of hands-on, in-person soft skills training, the demand for offline programs continues to thrive, contributing to the growth of the soft skills training market in meeting the nuanced development needs of individuals and businesses.

Analysis by End Use Industry:

• BFSI
• Hospitality
• Healthcare
• Retail
• Media and Entertainment
• Others

BFSI leads the market with around 19.1% of market share in 2024. Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) is a vital sector encompassing banking institutions, financial companies, investment firms, and insurance providers. The BFSI industry positively influences the soft skills training market growth by recognizing the pivotal role of interpersonal abilities in client interactions, regulatory compliance, and risk management. Effective communication, customer service, and ethical decision-making are paramount in this sector.

Soft skills training equips BFSI professionals with the skills to build trust, navigate complex financial situations, and adapt to ever-evolving regulations. As BFSI institutions prioritize enhancing customer experiences and maintaining strong ethical standards, the demand for targeted soft skills training surges. This dynamic industry's reliance on skilled professionals who are adept at communication, empathy, and problem-solving further fuels the growth of the soft skills training market, addressing the sector's unique demands while fostering a culture of excellence and trust.

Regional Analysis:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa

In 2024, North America accounted for the largest market share of over 32.9%. North America serves as a prominent driver in propelling the growth of the soft skills training market due its dynamic business landscape, characterized by technological advancements and evolving workplace dynamics that catalyze the demand for effective interpersonal skills. Organizations across industries in North America recognize the critical role soft skills play in fostering collaboration, innovation, and customer engagement. Moreover, the region emphasis on employee well-being and career development aligns with the need for holistic skill enhancement. As North American businesses strive to stay competitive in the global market, they invest significantly in soft skills training to equip their workforce with communication, leadership, and adaptability capabilities. Government initiatives, educational institutions, and corporations actively collaborate to bridge the soft skills gap and address workforce needs, driving the growth of the market.

Key Regional Takeaways:
 

United States Soft Skills Training Market Analysis

US accounts for 90.80% share of the market in North America. United States is witnessing a surge in soft skills training adoption due to the expanding working population and the rapid rise of remote and hybrid work models. For example, in January, the US labor market experienced an unprecedented increase of 2.2 million individuals, primarily fueled by workers born outside the country . As businesses increasingly emphasize collaboration, communication, and adaptability, training programs are becoming essential for employees to navigate digital workspaces and enhance team productivity. The growing working population is driving organizations to invest in leadership, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving training to ensure workforce efficiency. Rising remote and hybrid work models necessitate tailored training for virtual engagement, conflict resolution, and time management. Organizations are prioritizing upskilling programs to bridge gaps in interpersonal skills, fostering effective virtual interactions. Companies are also addressing the challenges of asynchronous work environments through structured training initiatives. With digital transformation reshaping workplace dynamics, professionals are expected to develop resilience and adaptability through continuous learning. The emphasis on soft skills is strengthening workplace culture, employee engagement, and overall performance, supporting long-term business sustainability.

Asia Pacific Soft Skills Training Market Analysis

Asia-Pacific is experiencing a rise in soft skills training adoption driven by the growing Media and Entertainment industry. As per the India Brand Equity Foundation, significant growth is anticipated in the Indian Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, forecasting a rise of 10.2%, amounting to Rs. 2.55 Trillion (USD 30.8 Billion) by 2024 with a 10% CAGR, reaching Rs. 3.08 Trillion (USD 37.2 Billion) by the year 2026. As content production, broadcasting, and digital platforms expand, professionals require enhanced communication, storytelling, and negotiation abilities to stay competitive. The increasing demand for skilled personnel in media-related roles is pushing organizations to invest in public speaking, creativity, and teamwork training. Rapid digitalization in the Media and Entertainment industry is fostering the need for emotional intelligence, adaptability, and leadership skills to manage cross-functional teams. The dynamic nature of entertainment projects demands professionals with strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in high-pressure environments. Organizations are implementing specialized training programs to enhance conflict resolution, networking, and audience engagement capabilities. The integration of emerging technologies in content creation is further emphasizing the need for critical thinking and problem-solving.

 Europe Soft Skills Training Market Analysis

Europe is seeing an increasing focus on soft skills training adoption due to the growing BFSI facilities. Reports indicate that in 2021, the EU housed 784 foreign bank branches, with 619 originating from other EU Member States and 165 from non-EU countries.  As financial institutions expand their services, employees require advanced interpersonal skills to enhance client relations, customer service, and negotiation capabilities. The complexity of financial operations is driving the need for strong communication, critical thinking, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving market. The growing BFSI facilities are investing in leadership development, emotional intelligence, and risk management training to strengthen professional interactions. Digital banking and financial services require employees to navigate diverse customer needs with empathy and problem-solving skills. With regulatory changes shaping the financial landscape, professionals are expected to develop conflict resolution and decision-making abilities. Organizations are incorporating tailored training programs to ensure workforce resilience and collaboration in high-pressure environments. The emphasis on soft skills is supporting workforce productivity, enhancing service quality, and fostering long-term client trust, strengthening the competitiveness of financial institutions.

Latin America Soft Skills Training Market Analysis

Latin America is experiencing a surge in soft skills training adoption due to the growing Healthcare sector. The Brazilian Federation of Hospitals (FBH) and the National Confederation of Health (CNSaúde) report that out of Brazil's 7,191 hospitals, 62% are privately owned.  As healthcare services expand, medical professionals require effective communication, emotional intelligence, and teamwork skills to improve patient care. The dynamic nature of healthcare operations demands problem-solving, adaptability, and leadership training for medical staff to navigate high-stress environments. With patient-centric care models evolving, professionals must develop empathy and active listening skills to enhance interactions. The need for cross-functional collaboration in hospitals and medical facilities is driving investments in interpersonal training. The growing Healthcare sector is pushing organizations to implement structured programs focused on decision-making and crisis management.  

Middle East and Africa Soft Skills Training Market Analysis

Middle East and Africa is seeing a rise in soft skills training adoption due to the growing Hospitality sector driven by increasing tourism. For example, Dubai received 14.96 million overnight guests from January to October 2024, reflecting an 8% rise compared to the same timeframe in 2023, showcasing robust tourism growth. As hospitality services expand, professionals require strong communication, customer service, and conflict resolution skills to enhance guest experiences. The growing Hospitality sector is pushing organizations to invest in teamwork, leadership, and adaptability training for staff managing diverse clientele. With the tourism industry evolving, professionals must develop problem-solving and negotiation skills to cater to dynamic customer expectations. Hotels, resorts, and travel agencies are emphasizing emotional intelligence training to improve service delivery and client satisfaction. The demand for multilingual and culturally aware professionals is leading to specialized soft skills development programs.  

Competitive Landscape:

The soft skills training market is highly competitive, with a diverse mix of corporate training firms, e-learning platforms, universities, and professional development organizations. Key players offer specialized programs in leadership, communication, and teamwork. Companies are increasingly adopting AI-driven learning, gamification, and virtual training solutions to enhance engagement and effectiveness. For instance, in 2024, Pearson reported 5% underlying revenue growth in Q3, driven by virtual learning and higher education. The company plans to expand AI capabilities to enhance digital education and English Language Learning Teaching Pal. Strategic partnerships between corporations and training providers are expanding market reach. Additionally, the rise of customized and on-demand training modules is intensifying competition, as businesses seek scalable, flexible, and cost-effective learning solutions for workforce development.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the soft skills training market with detailed profiles of all major companies, including:

• Articulate Global Inc.
• Cengage Learning Inc.
• Computer Generated Solutions Inc.
• D2L Corporation
• edX Inc.
• New Horizons Worldwide LLC
• NIIT Limited
• Pearson PLC
• QA Limited
• Skillsoft Corporation

Latest News and Developments:

• January 2025: The Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) launched a program to train and place 150 women in the tourism and hospitality sector. The first batch of 50 candidates commenced training in January 2025. The program emphasizes both technical and soft skills, including communication and teamwork, to enhance employability. THSC aims to bridge the gender gap in the industry through this initiative.
• December 2024: The Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) and ICMPD launched a Soft Skills Training Module and web portal on International Migrants Day. Developed under the EU-funded PROTECT programme, it covers communication, cultural adaptability, and leadership. Outgoing migrants will be encouraged to complete this training for better job readiness abroad. The initiative aims to enhance Pakistan’s reputation as a provider of a skilled global workforce.
• December 2024: University of Phoenix launched a new soft skills pathway through its Professional Development Skills Center to enhance workplace collaboration and efficiency. The program focuses on skills like problem-solving, decision-making, and empathetic communication, aligning with workforce priorities highlighted in the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023.
• June 2024: IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation launched a free three-month IT training programme, including soft skills, for students in Karur and Coimbatore. The course covers Networking, Cloud, Linux, Windows, and communication skills to enhance employability. As a CSR initiative by Lightstorm, it follows a 'Hire-Train-Deploy' model, with a June 12, 2024, registration deadline.
• May 2024: Kairos launched India's first game-based training platform to enhance corporate soft skills. The Bengaluru-based company aims to revolutionize L&D with digital and physical games, making learning engaging. This initiative addresses the challenge of traditional corporate training by fostering curiosity, resilience, and agility. Backed by the 2023 Future of Jobs Report, it equips professionals with essential workplace skills.

Soft Skills Training Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the soft skills training market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global soft skills training market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the soft skills training industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.