Learning a new skill boosts self-esteem and a sense of purpose

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Joanne Swann
white printer paper on brown wooden table

Recent NHS research states that learning a new skill can help boost self-esteem, build a sense of purpose, and help connect you with others. With 2024 well and truly here, many are continuing to carry out new year’s resolutions or planning to learn new skills this year.

The Knowledge Academy have conducted a survey of 2,000 UK adults to find out which skills most people are planning to learn in 2024.

Key Findings:

  • General work related skills such as project management/leadership ranks top, with more than a quarter (27%) of Brits looking to learn these skills in 2024.
  • Almost a quarter (24%) of UK adults are looking to learn creative skills this year.
  • One in three UK adults (32%) state they want to learn their chosen skill to help build their confidence, whilst almost two fifths are learning a skill to help them in everyday life.

The top skills Brits plan to learn in 2024

Rank Skill that respondents wish to learn Percentage of

respondents (%)
1 General work related skills

(e.g. project management/leadership)

 27%
2 Improving business management skills 26%
3 Enhancing business skills 24%
3 Creative skills (e.g. photography/art) 24%
5 Improving written skills/ spelling and

grammar

 23%
5 Improving computer literacy 23%
7 Improving analytical skills 22%
8 Skills for practical tasks/ hobbies (e.g. woodwork/

decorating/plumbing)

 21%
9 Learning to code 20%
10 Picking up a new language 19%

*The full survey data is available to view here.

The results

Work related skills such as project management and leadership are the top skills UK adults want to learn in 2024, as more than a quarter (27%) of respondents opted for this.

Brits looking to improve their work related skills may gain more fulfilment in their roles, as research shows that learning can keep you feeling happy and purposeful at work.

Secondly, improving business management skills (26%), and enhancing business skills (24%) also rank among the top choices, with around a quarter of Brits choosing to focus on these skills this year.

With one in five Brits hoping to find a new job for 2024, these skills may be a focus for many looking to seek out a career change this year.

Picking up new creative skills such as photography and art also ranks among the top five skills, with almost a quarter (24%) of UK adults claiming they’re keen to do so in 2024.

Creative skills can contribute to reduced stress, and greater productivity, making these skills more appealing to many Brits this year.

The top reasons why UK adults want to learn new a new skill in 2024

Rank Reason for learning skills Percentage of

respondents (%)
1 To improve my own knowledge and awareness 50%
2 To help me in everyday life 37%
3 To open further workplace opportunities 36%
4 To help me make better/more informed decisions 35%
5 To help build up my confidence 32%
6 To help me get a job 29%

 

The top reason for Brits opting for their chosen skill in 2024 is to improve knowledge and awareness, with half of respondents (50%) sharing this as their reason.

Whilst almost two fifths (37%) of those surveyed admit they want to improve on their chosen skill in order to help them in everyday life.

Nearly a third of Brits also look to learn a new skill to boost their confidence (32%). Learning skills can promote positive thinking and boost self-esteem, so it is no wonder why nearly a third of UK adults want to take up new skills due to this.

Talveer Sandhu on behalf of The Knowledge Academy comments:

It is fantastic to see a willingness among UK adults to adopt and learn new skills this year, both inside and outside of the workplace. With many looking to open more workplace opportunities for themselves, learning further business and project management skills is always a great way to increase employability, as well as chances of promotion and greater responsibility.

Talveer Sandhu on behalf of The Knowledge Academy

Joanne Swann, Content Manager, WorkWellPro
Editor at Workplace Wellbeing Professional | Website |  + posts

Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.

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