Effect of Hard and Soft Skills on Employee Productivity Moderated by Emotional Intelligence

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of hard skills and soft skills on employee productivity, with emotional intelligence examined as a moderating variable. Using an associative quantitative approach, the research involved the entire population of 130 employees, all selected through a saturated sampling technique. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using appropriate quantitative statistical methods. The findings demonstrate that both hard skills and soft skills exert a significant positive impact on employee productivity. Moreover, emotional intelligence significantly moderates the relationship between hard skills and productivity, as well as between soft skills and productivity. These results emphasize that employee performance is not only determined by technical capabilities but also by interpersonal competencies supported by effective emotional regulation. The study highlights the importance for organizations to foster a balanced development of hard and soft skills, while simultaneously strengthening emotional intelligence, in order to maximize productivity, optimize employee engagement, and achieve overall performance outcomes