How Much Does Soft Skills Training Cost? A Practical Guide for Employers in Brunei
- Doris Suresh
- Jan 21
- 3 min read
When organisations talk about performance, the conversation often turns to systems, strategy or technical skills. Yet time and again, the real challenges show up elsewhere - in conversations that go wrong, teams that struggle to work together or leaders who know what needs to be done but not how to say it.
That’s where soft skills training comes in.
One of the most common questions I hear from employers is simple and fair:
“How much does soft skills training actually cost?”
Let’s break it down.
What is Soft Skills Training?
Soft skills training focuses on the human side of work - how people communicate, collaborate, manage emotions, handle conflict and lead others. Common areas include:
Workplace communication
Leadership and people management
Emotional intelligence
Customer service and professionalism
Teamwork and collaboration
Confidence and workplace behaviour
Unlike technical training, soft skills shape how work gets done, not just what gets done.
What Affects the Cost of Soft Skills Training?
There is no single price tag for soft skills training. Costs vary because every organisation’s needs are different. Think of it like commissioning professional services - the scope and depth matter.
Here are the main factors that influence cost:
Training Format
Online, self-paced programmes are usually the most affordable.
In-person workshops cost more due to facilitation time, materials and logistics.
Level of Customisation
Generic programmes are cheaper.
Tailored training - designed around your team’s challenges, culture and goals - costs more but delivers stronger results.
Trainer Experience
Seasoned trainers with real business experience typically charge higher fees than entry-level facilitators. What you’re paying for is judgement, context and credibility.
Group Size
Larger groups reduce the cost per participant but increase the total investment.
Duration
A short session costs less than a full-day or multi-day programme, but shorter does not always mean better.
Average Soft Skills Training Costs in Brunei
While prices vary by provider and scope, here is a realistic guide many organisations work with:
Online self-paced courses:
B$100 – B$500 per participant
In-person group workshops:
B$200 – B$2,000 per participant
For smaller organisations, this may feel significant at first glance. However, cost should always be weighed against impact - not just attendance.
Is Soft Skills Training Worth the Investment?
This is the real question.
Soft skills training is not an expense to “tick a box”. It is an investment in how people show up at work every day.
Organisations that invest well often see:
Clearer communication and fewer misunderstandings
Stronger leadership at all levels
Better customer interactions
Improved teamwork
Higher engagement and retention
The hidden cost of not investing is often far higher - disengagement, unresolved conflict, poor service and avoidable turnover.
How Employees Experience Training (And Why This Matters)
There’s another side to this conversation that rarely gets discussed.
When employees realise their organisation is willing to invest time and money into their development - especially through thoughtful, well-designed training, it sends a message: “You matter here.”
That message changes behaviour.
Participants engage more, apply what they learn and often give back through better performance and commitment. Training stops feeling like an obligation and starts feeling like trust.
How to Choose the Right Soft Skills Training Provider
Cost alone should never be the deciding factor. When choosing a provider, consider:
Local business understanding
Training should reflect your cultural and organisational context.
Real-world experience
Look for facilitators who have worked in business, not just classrooms.
Customisation
One-size-fits-all programmes rarely address real workplace issues.
Credibility and testimonials
Past client feedback matters.
Follow-up support
Learning should not end when the workshop does.
The cheapest option often delivers the least value.
How to Manage and Reduce Training Costs Strategically
If budget is a concern, there are smart ways to manage investment without sacrificing quality:
Train teams together rather than individually
Use blended learning (online + shorter in-person sessions)
Develop internal champions to reinforce learning
Plan training in advance to avoid rushed decisions
Strategic planning almost always costs less than reactive training.
Final Thoughts: What Are You Really Investing In?
When organisations ask about the cost of soft skills training, they’re really asking about return - on performance, culture and people.
Soft skills shape how decisions are made, how customers are treated and how teams perform under pressure. When training is done well, the impact quietly spreads across the organisation.
Understanding the cost is important.
Understanding the value is essential.
If you’re considering soft skills training, start with clarity - about your goals, your people and the outcomes you want to see. The right investment will pay for itself many times over.
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