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Partnership Unveils Results For 2024 Workforce Insights Study: Skills Of The Future

August 27, 2024

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Aug. 27, 2024) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership has released the DSM Workforce Insights Study: Skills of the Future results. This comprehensive study focused on gaining a deeper understanding of workforce skills in the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region, providing insights into the skills that will shape the future regional economy.   

This is the third year that The Partnership has conducted a workforce study. The 2024 Workforce Insights Study gathered data from over 1,500 employees across 22 regional organizations to assess the ongoing evolution and preferences of the DSM workforce.  

“A regional analysis of workforce skills and skills for the future of work demonstrates the strength of the DSM workforce,” said Jenae Sikkink, Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Inclusive Strategies. “Additionally, the Workforce Insights Study provides tangible insights for employers and educational institutions, as well as collaborative opportunities to invest in our region’s workforce so that it’s even stronger and more prepared for the future of work.” 

Here are the 10 insights learned about the future workforce skills:  

  • The most crucial skills for the future emphasize human qualities. Participants believe that human skills are the most critical for the future. Human skills are needed for highly complex and/or highly collaborative work activities. Examples of these skills include communication and active listening.  
  • DSM workforce members largely have confidence in their employer’s abilities to upskill them. Employers have opportunities for collaboration and upskilling through internal development and training programs, by partnering with a local institution of higher education or private training providers. 
  • AI is on the workforce’s mind. Participants said AI is the most important technical skill needed for today’s workforce. Employers can consider additional training and educational emphasis — both on the ethical and technical use of data, as well as the adaptation of AI in the workplace. 
  • Market opportunities for learning. Leadership should make room for learning in their organizations and consider how offerings are communicated and marketed internally among team members, while also increasing access to their offerings. 
  • Gen Z is confident in employers’ skill development efforts. Lifelong learning is highly important to Gen Z, indicating a cohort of the workforce that is ready to learn, sees value in lifelong learning and is confident in their employer's support. 
  • Different industries = different capabilities. Each industry represented in the survey had different skills that rose to the top, but all had a similarly high level of average preparedness across all skills.  
  • High value with room for optimization. More than half of the reported work time was spent on what participants deemed high-value activities. The study saw an increase from 2023 to 2024.  
  • Flexibility is critical. The balance of work and personal considerations continues to be a highly valued work attribute. Flexibility is cited as a critical benefit that the workforce has come to expect 
  • Straightforward management. Participants value clear and straightforward processes from their leaders. Participants look toward leaders to set clear expectations, be willing to listen and provide timely feedback.
  • Making room for innovation. Participants indicated that what has worked in the past can be innovated collaboratively and inclusively to succeed in the future. 

This study contributes to a goal of the DSM Workforce Collaborative to build a deeper understanding of current and needed skills in the region and create skill-building opportunities for talent. The DSM Workforce Collaborative focuses on strengthening the current and future workforce with a collective voice by identifying workforce opportunities and implementing solutions to help meet business and education needs in DSM. 

The results of this study are available for download here. 

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 400 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.