UNIVERSITIES should offer courses in leadership and working with others, as many new employees have not developed the 'soft skills' needed in the workplace, according to a study.

Research to be presented at a conference in Glasgow will claim that neither university, nor the 'university of life' are equipping individuals with the skills needed by employers.

The study of 2,500 individuals found that neither a degree nor experience were related to an employee's performance at tasks involving building relationships with others or giving support. Its authors suggest that such people skills may be innate or developed earlier in childhood.

Both degrees and life experience did relate to work performance in other areas. Those with university degrees had valuable professional and technical skills, such as evaluating problems, processing details and structuring. Work experience provided particular benefits in terms of leadership behaviours and driving success.

The findings will be explored today at the British Psychological Society's (BPS) occupational psychology conference at Glasgow's Hilton Hotel by Rab MacIver, Sarah Chan and Katie Herridge of Saville Consulting.

mS Herridge said: "As people skills are harder to develop and may be innate, employers may be better considering personality measures when selecting for people orientated roles, rather than relying on an individual's education or experience."

She added: "Universities should consider how to offer opportunities which help graduates develop important leadership skills that at present aren't developed through degrees."

The three-day conference which opened on Wednesday will also hear that a work life balance is vital for employees but also benefits employers.

A study from the University of Birkbeck found that it was the quality rather than the quantity of time spent with family on on leisure activities that mattered for workers, with those who had opportunities for high quality 'me' time enjoying a better work-life balance and more engaged at work.

Meanwhile, a study of employees who used iPhones and other gadgets to stay 'switched on' for work outside office hours found such employees face detrimental effects to their wellbeing and private life.