Study Reveals Emotional Intelligence as Key Driver of IT Innovation and Remote Work Success

[NEW YORK, NY/February 18, 2025] Lumenalta’s study of over 900 IT leaders unveiled emotional intelligence (EQ) as a critical yet continually overlooked factor in technology innovation and remote work success. The comprehensive research revealed a striking paradox: while 90% of IT leaders view EQ as essential for performance, 40% of workplace challenges stem from insufficient emotional intelligence.

“Despite our findings, it’s important not to place soft skills on a pedestal and ignore the need for hard skills,” says Lumenalta CEO Kuty Shalev. “However, a mix of the two creates a superpower combination, enabling software developers to create while still listening, hearing, and understanding what’s hidden or not shared. This allows them to better manage relationships and accomplish even more.”

Hiring to find this combination means finding candidates who can communicate technical ideas clearly, not only with other developers but also with non-technical stakeholders. Natalie Ta, Director of Culture, says “This means being well-prepared for the interview, explaining complex work in an easy-to-understand way, while also diving deeper when asked. It’s about more than just technical skills and knowledge—it’s how they apply those skills, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others.” 

The study, which surveyed professionals across the United States, found that nearly 88% of IT leaders believe EQ directly correlates with innovation and problem-solving capabilities in technology teams. This connection becomes particularly critical in remote work environments, where 40% of leaders report EQ-related challenges in maintaining team connections.

Key findings include:

“High EQ leads to better teamwork and cooperation, while low EQ results in conflicts and miscommunication,” noted one survey respondent. This observation is supported by the finding that 51% of leaders attribute most performance issues and 60% of project challenges to insufficient team EQ.

In addition, nearly half of IT leaders surveyed (47%) believe AI and automation will strengthen emotional intelligence by freeing teams to focus on relationship-building and creative problem-solving. Our company shares this vision, implementing an AI-powered coaching chatbot that allows team members to process thoughts and emotions on their schedule, protecting both productivity and personal growth.

“Coaching conversations don’t exist in a vacuum. AI can’t do everything,” says Shalev. “That’s why our team coaches use the results of those AI-driven conversations to guide team members to a better understanding of how their emotions influence decision-making and productivity. It’s not a replacement for human-centered interaction. It’s a way to offer interpersonal growth that doesn’t require waiting for monthly check-ins to raise concerns or questions.”

This research demonstrates that EQ is no longer simply a “soft skill” but rather an essential component for sustainable innovation and organizational resilience in the technology sector. As the industry continues to evolve, organizations that successfully blend technical excellence with emotional intelligence will be better positioned for long-term success.

For more information about this study or to request the full report, please contact press@lumenalta.com.

ABOUT Lumenalta
Lumenalta is a leading custom software development firm specializing in value-creating solutions. Since 2000, the company has been at the forefront of innovation, delivering more than 600 accelerated and impactful software solutions to clients in highly competitive environments.

Whether your business seeks technology innovation through software development solutions, application modernization, or total digital transformation services, Lumenalta can illuminate the possibilities by pairing your industry experience with their technical acumen.

Learn more at www.lumenalta.com and connect with us on social media.