People are increasingly concerned that their job roles are becoming irrelevant

A new report from Arden University suggests that while many UK workers recognise the growing pace of change in the workplace, only around half are actively developing new skills to keep up with new and emerging job roles. The survey of 2,000 UK employees found that 58 percent believe their industry is changing faster than before, yet only 51 percent said they are currently engaged in upskilling. The findings have been released as part of Arden University’s Future of Work and Learning Report.

Nearly half of respondents (47 percent) identified technological disruption as the biggest threat to their future job relevance. Economic instability and shifting labour markets were cited by 34 percent, while a quarter of workers said they were concerned about their ability to keep pace with changing skills requirements.

The report suggests that the lifespan of workplace skills is becoming shorter. According to Arden University, the average half-life of skills is now less than five years, with some skills becoming outdated in under a year. This, it argues, is increasing the need for continuous learning and regular skills development.

Despite this, almost half of employees are not currently undertaking any form of upskilling. Among this group, 36 percent said they already possess the skills they need, while 25 percent reported having no desire to pursue further learning. A further 20 percent cited a lack of time as the main barrier.

For those who are developing new skills, the motivation appears clear. Almost two-thirds (65 percent) said they were doing so in order to remain relevant within their industry.

Dilshad Sheikh, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Arden University, said the findings reveal a disconnect between awareness of change and action. He said many workers recognise that industries are evolving rapidly but are not taking steps to adapt, creating a risk that skills gaps could widen over time.

Sheikh argued that technological capability is becoming increasingly important across a broad range of professions. He said employers are seeking workers who can adapt to new technologies and ways of working, whether in management, marketing, finance or other business functions.

The report warns that a growing mismatch between the skills employers require and those available in the workforce could have wider economic consequences. It suggests that businesses may struggle to innovate and compete if they cannot access people with the right capabilities, while persistent skills shortages could contribute to lower productivity and reduced economic growth.

To help address these challenges, Arden University recommends that organisations focus on building resilience through a combination of technical and human skills, including digital literacy, AI awareness, adaptability and creativity. It also calls for more flexible learning systems that allow employees to develop skills alongside their day-to-day work, as well as closer collaboration between employers, educational institutions and government.

The Future of Work and Learning Report has been published to mark Arden University’s tenth anniversary and examines how work and education are likely to evolve over the coming decade.