If a machine can do my job, do I still matter?
Routine tasks are being automated, and decision-making is increasingly informed by algorithms. While this creates efficiency, it also leaves many workers wondering about their future.
FOBO in the Workplace:
Confronting the Fear of Becoming Obsolete in the Age of AI
As artificial intelligence rapidly evolves, many employees are grappling with a growing sense of anxiety: What if my job is next? This fear, known as FOBO (Fear of Becoming Obsolete), is becoming increasingly prevalent across industries. Workers at all levels are questioning their job security and value in an era where machines seem to be doing more, faster, and with fewer errors.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- What FOBO is and why it’s rising now.
- Who is most at risk of FOBO and why.
- The psychological and organizational impacts of FOBO.
- How businesses can proactively address this fear through training and upskilling.
- Actionable strategies for both employees and employers to adapt and thrive in an AI-integrated workplace.
What Is FOBO and Why Is It on the Rise?
FOBO stands for the Fear of Becoming Obsolete, a workplace anxiety stemming from the belief that technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), will render one’s role irrelevant. Unlike traditional job insecurity, which might stem from market shifts or organizational restructuring, FOBO is rooted in technological disruption.
The growing prevalence of AI-powered tools, from chatbots and data analytics platforms to generative AI like ChatGPT, Claude, etc., is reshaping how work gets done. Routine tasks are being automated, and decision-making is increasingly informed by algorithms. While this creates opportunities for efficiency, it also leaves many workers wondering: If machines can do my job, do I still matter?
Recent Drivers of FOBO:
- Generative AI adoption in writing, design, coding, and customer support.
- Automation in manufacturing, logistics, and finance.
- Workplace digitization post-COVID-19.
- Media narratives highlighting tech replacing workers.
Who’s Feeling FOBO the Most?
FOBO doesn’t discriminate, but it does hit certain segments of the workforce harder than others:
Mid-Career Professionals
Often trained in pre-AI systems, these employees may feel overwhelmed trying to catch up.
Administrative and Routine-Task Roles
Jobs heavily based on repetitive tasks are more likely to be automated, increasing FOBO.
Creative Professionals
Even designers and writers are seeing AI generate content and visuals in seconds, challenging their unique value.
Older Workers
This group may fear they lack the time or capability to re-skill before retirement, making FOBO a very real concern.
The Organizational Impact of FOBO.
Unchecked, FOBO can undermine not only employee well-being but also business performance.
Psychological Effects:
- Increased anxiety and stress
- Burnout or detachment
- Reduced confidence and motivation
Business Consequences:
- Decreased engagement and productivity
- Higher turnover rates
- Resistance to digital transformation efforts
- A widening skills gap
When employees feel obsolete, they disengage - emotionally and intellectually. This disengagement can derail innovation, productivity, and team cohesion.
Why Training and Upskilling Are the Antidote to FOBO.
The good news is FOBO is not a foregone conclusion. With the right mindset and support systems, employees can transform fear into future-readiness. Upskilling and reskilling provide the clearest path forward.
What Is Upskilling?
Upskilling involves teaching employees new skills that complement their current roles, particularly digital literacy, data analysis, AI collaboration and creative thinking.
What Is Reskilling?
Reskilling helps employees transition into entirely new roles that are in demand in an AI-driven world.
Key Areas to Focus On
Digital Fluency
Understanding basic AI tools, platforms, and interfaces.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Skills that AI cannot replicate easily.
Emotional Intelligence and Communication
Essential for leadership and teamwork.
AI-Augmented Roles
Learning how to collaborate with AI tools to enhance output.
Strategies for Employers: Turning FOBO into a Growth Opportunity
To support employees and stay competitive, organizations must take FOBO seriously... and act on it.
Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning
Create an environment where curiosity, experimentation, and lifelong learning are the norm. Offer microlearning, video-based training, and self-paced courses so learning is easy and non-intimidating.
Offer Personalized Development Plans
Rather than one-size-fits-all training, tailor learning paths to employee interests and the organization’s future skills needs.
Provide Psychological Safety
Encourage open conversations about fears related to AI and the future of work. When employees can speak up, they’re more likely to engage with support systems.
Integrate AI Training into Everyday Learning
Don’t just talk about AI, show employees how it works, what it can (and can’t) do, and how they can use it as a partner rather than a threat.
Recognize and Celebrate Progress
Acknowledging small wins in upskilling helps employees build confidence and maintain momentum.
What Employees Can Do to Overcome FOBO.
Employees also have skin in the game when it comes to navigating AI transformation:
Adopt a Growth Mindset
Believe that skills are not fixed. They can be learned, adapted, and applied in new ways.
Start Learning Now
Take advantage of available courses in AI literacy, digital tools, and leadership.
Embrace AI as a Collaborator
Rather than competing with AI, learn how to use it to enhance productivity and decision-making.
Stay Curious About the Future
Follow trends, read articles, and engage in conversations about where your industry is headed.
Build Human-Centered Skills
AI can process data, but it can’t empathize, mentor, negotiate, or lead. These remain critical differentiators.
Turning Fear into Fuel (A Case Study)
One Employee’s Journey to Overcome FOBO Overview
This is the story of how one employee confronted her Fear of Becoming Obsolete (FOBO) and came out stronger, more confident, and future-ready.
As artificial intelligence (AI) began reshaping workflows in her department, long-time customer service representative Maria started to question her future. With AI tools handling inquiries faster and more accurately, Maria feared her role and her value were fading. But instead of letting that fear define her, Maria transformed it into motivation.
Background
Company: Global Financial Services Firm
Role: Customer Service Representative
Tenure: 12 years
Challenge: FOBO triggered by automation and AI-enhanced tools
Maria had spent over a decade building trust with clients, solving problems, and navigating complex account issues. But the introduction of an AI chatbot capable of handling basic inquiries 24/7 left her wondering: Am I still needed?
She noticed a dip in morale, questioned her job security, and began to disengage – all classic signs of FOBO.
The Turning Point
Maria’s manager noticed her hesitation and encouraged her to explore the company’s internal training program. The company had recently launched a Sollah’s TraningBriefs® series that focused on:
- Digital literacy
- Emotional intelligence
- Change resilience
- AI collaboration tools
- Customer experience strategies in a tech-enabled world
At first skeptical, Maria agreed to try a few short lessons. What she discovered surprised her: AI wasn’t replacing her, it was enhancing what she could do.
Key Interventions
- Micro-Learning, On-Demand: Maria accessed short, practical courses on new (or needed) learning topics.
- Skills Mapping: She completed a personalized learning path that matched her current skills with future-ready competencies like digital communication and customer journey mapping.
- Manager Coaching: Regular check-ins provided reassurance, guidance, and space to reflect on how her role was evolving, not disappearing.
- Stretch Assignment: With new skills, Maria volunteered to pilot a hybrid role: managing escalations that AI couldn’t resolve and coaching teammates on how to use the new tools effectively.
Results
- Confidence Boost: Maria reported feeling more secure in her role and optimistic about the future.
- New Role, New Purpose: She transitioned into a Customer Success Specialist, blending her human skills with new tech capabilities.
- Influencer Among Peers: Maria became a peer mentor, helping others overcome their own FOBO fears.
- Recognition: She was recognized company-wide for her adaptability and resilience.
Quote from Maria
“I thought AI was here to replace me. What I learned is that it’s here to support me, especially if I’m willing to grow. Upskilling changed everything. I feel more valuable now than ever before.”
Takeaway
FOBO is real. But it’s also beatable. With the right support, tools, and mindset, employees like Maria can turn fear into fuel. Organizations that invest in training and human-centered transformation don’t just retain talent—they empower it.
The Future Is Not About Replacement… it’s About Reinvention
The fear of becoming obsolete is real, but it doesn’t have to be paralyzing. In truth, AI is not replacing humans, it’s replacing tasks. And that opens the door for employees to evolve, grow, and find new purpose in their work.
For organizations, the objective is clear: invest in your people. Equip them with the tools, training, and mindset to thrive alongside AI; not fear it. The companies that do will have a more agile, innovative, and engaged workforce ready to meet the future head-on.
