As technology continues to reshape the workplace, soft skills have become increasingly crucial for success. These essential traits, like empathy and adaptability, are nurtured from childhood through family interactions and social experiences. While free play is vital for developing these skills, it's often constrained by current policies and cultural norms. By addressing these barriers, we can create an environment where children naturally cultivate the soft skills they'll need to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

Research shows new hires often enter fresh roles feeling optimistic and confident their organizations are eager to hear from them, but over time, employees increasingly feel less “psychologically safe” to contribute ideas. Once psychological safety is lost, it’s hard to get back, potentially taking decades to recover. This decline in psychological safety can impact team learning and effectiveness. Managers can counteract this trend by consistently encouraging input, placing new hires in supportive teams, and creating a culture that values diverse perspectives.