Clarity & confidence | How employers can address 'fear of becoming obsolete' as AI reshapes the workplace

Employers face a growing challenge as artificial intelligence reshapes how work is done, with new research highlighting a rise in the ‘fear of becoming obsolete’ among employees.

WTW’s 2026 Employee Experience (EX) Global Market Study points to a widening gap between the pace of technological change and employee readiness. While AI adoption is accelerating rapidly, many organisations are not yet equipped to support their workforce through the transition.

According to the study, 59% of employers expect AI to fundamentally change how employee experience is messaged, managed and delivered within the next three years, rising to 89% over the next decade. At the same time, the share of work handled through automation and digital tools is expected to more than double, from 14% today to 31% within three years.

The study finds that this creates fertile ground for employees to fear they will become obsolete, as they question their relevance in a more automated workplace.