A recent survey reveals that as artificial intelligence reshapes the workplace, most American workers fear future obsolescence and believe developing new skills is crucial for job security. ETS, a global nonprofit educational testing and measurement organization, reports that 54% of American workers feel unprepared for the next generation of jobs in the next decade, compared to 49% globally. Meanwhile, 75% say they lack a clear understanding of the specifics of these jobs by 2035. This uncertainty is accompanied by fear of obsolescence, with 58% of respondents saying they worry about being left behind in the future workplace. This figure rises to 74% among skilled workers and 73% in the financial services industry. ETS states, “The reasons given by workers are consistent across markets: they lack experience with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, or data tools. Many also report limited access to innovative systems that are increasingly important in modern jobs.” The report notes that some workers also worry that their newly acquired skills may become obsolete shortly after they learn them.
