The workplace is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by AI, automation, and digital transformation. While these advancements unlock new efficiencies and opportunities for businesses and employees alike, they also bring an unsettling reality—many employees fear their skills will become redundant. This phenomenon, known as FOBO (Fear of Becoming Obsolete), is becoming a significant challenge for business leaders and employees worldwide.
What is FOBO?
FOBO, or the Fear of Becoming Obsolete, refers to the anxiety that employees experience when they begin to feel as though their skills or job roles may be taken over by technology. This condition is not as well-known as FOMO (the Fear of Missing Out), but it’s an important and growing aspect of work life in the age of AI and automation. FOBO is driven by and affects many elements of work; in particular, it has a strong impact on how engaged employees feel throughout their daily work life.
A recent survey by McKinsey suggests that up to 45% of current job activities are potentially automatable, using tools available today. Concerns have intensified, and with them, the need for business leaders to take proactive steps to ensure the future confidence, engagement, and readiness of their workforces. This is particularly important because the uptick in automation concern has closely paralleled the introduction and rise of generative AI, machine learning, and (robotic process automation) RPA.
How FOBO Impacts Recruitment and Retention
The hidden but powerful fear of becoming obsolete can cause disengagement, higher employee turnover, and recruitment challenges. When employees worry that their skills are outdated, they may leave for supposedly safer ground. When they do, they sometimes take the added time to upskill in the hope that this will equip them for their next opportunity. Conversely, job applicants might be reluctant to apply for roles in industries they perceive are vulnerable to future automation.
At Solutions Driven, we recognise the vital role of collaborating with our clients to craft talent strategies that effectively present potential candidates with a clear understanding of the company’s long-term career opportunities and adaptability.
How Leaders Can Address FOBO
FOBO isn’t solely an employee concern—it’s also a strategic challenge for leadership. Here’s how it can be addressed:
- Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning
- One of the most effective ways to combat FOBO, is not with a series of one-off initiatives, but with the embedding of continuous learning to company culture. This starts with encouraging and enabling employees to undertake professional development. Much of this is done online these days, and platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy have made it easier than ever for people to learn at their own pace, in their own way.
- One of the most effective ways to combat FOBO, is not with a series of one-off initiatives, but with the embedding of continuous learning to company culture. This starts with encouraging and enabling employees to undertake professional development. Much of this is done online these days, and platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy have made it easier than ever for people to learn at their own pace, in their own way.
- Invest in Reskilling and Upskilling
- Reskilling (teaching employees entirely new skills) and upskilling (enhancing existing skills) are essential in a workplace driven by AI. Companies such as Amazon and PwC are investing billions into retraining their workforce in preparation for the jobs of the future rather than being replaced by automation.
- Reskilling (teaching employees entirely new skills) and upskilling (enhancing existing skills) are essential in a workplace driven by AI. Companies such as Amazon and PwC are investing billions into retraining their workforce in preparation for the jobs of the future rather than being replaced by automation.
- Encourage a Growth Mindset
- Leaders should promote a culture where employees see change as an opportunity rather than a threat. Adaptability, experimentation, and taking on new challenges should be embraced and celebrated at every level – allowing for a switch in mindset from fear to excitement.
- Leaders should promote a culture where employees see change as an opportunity rather than a threat. Adaptability, experimentation, and taking on new challenges should be embraced and celebrated at every level – allowing for a switch in mindset from fear to excitement.
- Leverage AI as an Enhancement, Not a Replacement
- One of triggers for FOBO is that AI will replace human jobs. Leaders should effectively communicate that AI and automation are meant to augment human capabilities, not eliminate them.
- One of triggers for FOBO is that AI will replace human jobs. Leaders should effectively communicate that AI and automation are meant to augment human capabilities, not eliminate them.
- Provide Clear Career Development Pathways
- When employees have a clear view of their future, they are less likely to fear becoming obsolete. It is essential that leaders have transparent discussions about career progression, new job roles that are emerging, and how employees can pivot and blend into new areas within the organisation.
The Future of Work is About Adaptability
The reality is this: technology is going to keep changing, and roles and responsibilities will keep shifting. But history has shown that industries adapt, new job categories sprout up, and workers who embrace continuous learning thrive. The fear of building future-ready teams isn’t insurmountable—it’s a call to action for leaders to build resilient future-proof teams.
At Solutions Driven, we specialise in connecting businesses with forward-thinking talent ready to navigate the ever-evolving workplace. If you’re looking to build a workforce equipped for the future, let’s collaborate to create a hiring strategy that ensures long-term success.
Is your business ready to tackle FOBO head-on? Contact us today to start the conversation.
