Soft Skills: More Than Just a Bonus

On March 20, participants of the Empower to Employ project took part in a workshop focused on essential soft skills — competencies that often determine how successfully someone can adapt, collaborate, and grow in today’s workplace.

Special attention was given to communication and time management, two of the most in-demand skills across all industries. These qualities shape how we listen, lead, respond to challenges, and support others at work.

As Elena Berkovitch, one of our HR managers and the program’s soft skills coach, shared:

“Many job seekers focus all their attention on technical qualifications and forget that employers also pay close attention to how candidates behave, think, and respond to challenges.
During an interview, it’s important not just to answer questions, but to show that you can listen, think clearly, and collaborate effectively.
Soft skills aren’t an extra. They’re an essential part of your professionalism.”

The session encouraged participants to reflect on their strengths beyond their job titles and to gain confidence in the value of their interpersonal abilities. Through group discussions and situational exercises, they practiced active listening, time awareness, and professional communication in a safe and constructive environment.

Soft skills, unlike technical knowledge, are transferable across roles and sectors. They define how we build relationships, contribute to a team, and solve problems. For many participants, the workshop was a valuable reminder that professionalism is not only about expertise — it’s about attitude, adaptability, and mindset.

These workshops also help participants overcome uncertainty and regain a sense of direction. By sharing experiences, asking questions, and receiving feedback, they not only improve their communication but also build trust in themselves and in their ability to thrive in new environments. Each session brings growth, connection, and a renewed belief in what’s possible.

Empower to Employ is an initiative by the Luxembourg-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce (LUCC), supported by the Fonds social européen plus (FSE+) and the Ministère du Travail Luxembourg. It helps Ukrainians under temporary protection in Luxembourg integrate into the job market.

By encouraging openness, practice, and positive reinforcement, we aim to build not only skills — but long-term confidence. Because confidence, like any skill, grows when it is nurtured.
Every conversation, exercise, and shared insight brings our participants one step closer to success.