The Guardian · 13 Sep, 11:01 · Business briefing

Many professionals take continuing education. Let’s add etiquette classes | Gene Marks

Recent commentary suggests that while many professionals prioritise technical continuing education, there is a growing need to integrate etiquette training into professional development.

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26%average salary uplift after a professional certificate

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71%of leaders prefer candidates who upskill continuously

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Recent commentary suggests that while many professionals prioritise technical continuing education, there is a growing need to integrate etiquette training into professional development. The article argues that soft skills, specifically workplace manners and social intelligence, are often overlooked despite their critical role in career progression. This perspective highlights a potential gap in current learning strategies, where technical proficiency is emphasised over interpersonal conduct. The report implies that organisations and individuals should reconsider their investment in training, ensuring that behavioural competencies receive equal attention to maintain professional standards and effective workplace communication.

Employer demand for Business And Management skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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This shift signals that technical expertise alone is insufficient for career advancement. Interpersonal skills, particularly workplace etiquette and emotional intelligence, are rising in value as differentiators in competitive job markets. You should pay attention if you rely solely on hard skills, as poor social conduct can hinder promotion prospects regardless of your technical output. Smart professionals will proactively seek training in business communication and professional behaviour. You must integrate these soft skills into your development plan immediately. Prioritise courses that enhance your ability to navigate complex social dynamics, manage conflicts gracefully, and present yourself with polished professionalism. This investment protects your reputation and opens doors that technical merit alone cannot unlock.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Business And Management, Leadership, Human Resources and Psychology — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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