A growing number of workers are worried their skills could become obsolete, and many say employers need to do more to help them keep pace.

A new survey from ETS and The Harris Poll found 58% of workers fear becoming obsolete because they lack needed skills. At the same time, 68% said the cost of upskilling is difficult to cover, 63% struggle to find time to learn while keeping up with work, and more than half said getting employer support is difficult. Nearly nine in 10 said employers should encourage workers to set credential goals throughout their careers.

“Workers are not afraid of learning. They’re afraid of being left behind,” said Dave O’Neil, director of communications for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Companies that make skill-building part of the job instead of one more thing employees are expected to figure out on their own will have a real advantage in attracting and keeping talent.”

As AI and other technologies continue changing jobs, the findings underscore a growing HR challenge, giving employees the time, tools and pathways to build new skills before uncertainty turns into disengagement or turnover. 8/19/2026