In an age when technical expertise can become irrelevant in just a few years, foundational skills matter more than ever. Abilities like collaboration, problem-solving and a solid grounding in math transfer across jobs and help teams adapt to new challenges.
Source: Harvard Business Review, August 26, 2025. Link. Foundational skills (like reading comprehension, basic math, and the ability to work well in teams) help workers to be more adaptable, provide a solid base from which to learn new skills quickly, and give them the ability to facilitate smooth, nuanced organizational changes, which is valued in higher-earning positions.
Those who scored highly on basic skills <in the study> were more likely to earn higher wages throughout their careers, move into more advanced roles, learn specialized skills more quickly, and were more resilient to industry changes.”
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