AI is transforming the UK workplace—and not everyone feels ready. As businesses adopt AI tools to boost productivity, many employees are experiencing FOBO—the fear of becoming obsolete. It’s a real and rising concern. This anxiety is driving technostress, which is a growing issue that affects performance, morale and retention.
According to Henley Business School[1], while 56% of UK workers feel optimistic about AI, 61% say they’re overwhelmed by its rapid development. Nearly 24% feel unsupported by their employers, and 49% report no formal AI guidelines at work.
This blend of excitement and anxiety is technostress in action. It’s the tension employees feel when tech outpaces their ability to adapt and it’s affecting performance, well-being, and retention. A report by WalkMe[2] found that technostress can lead to burnout, disengagement, and even employees creating risky “shadow tech” workarounds to cope.
So, how can UK HR leaders help?
Start with Clear, Honest and Transparent Communication
Silence fuels anxiety. Employees want to know what AI means for their jobs and how it will affect them. Be transparent about plans, timelines, and expectations. Acknowledge uncertainty. Invite feedback. When people feel informed, they feel empowered.
Provide Practical Hands-on AI Training
Training is key[3]. 60% of UK workers say they’d use AI more if they were shown how. Offer hands-on, specific and practical sessions tailored to roles within your organisation. Give employees the opportunity to experiment with these AI tools which will help employees see AI as a tool—not a threat, shifting their mindset from fear to curiosity.
Create Reskilling Pathways
Don’t just train—transform and help your employees to future proof their careers. Support employees in developing skills that complement AI, like creativity, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking. The UK government’s AI Sector Study[4] shows the industry grew by 85% in two years, with over 86,000 employed in AI roles. There’s opportunity—help your people seize it.
Maybe think about increasing your learning and development budgets to show your support in retraining employees to use AI tools effectively.
Make Space for Honest Conversations
FOBO thrives in silence. Create forums where employees can speak openly and encourage management to check in more regularly. Let employees express concerns without fear, which will help to normalise those conversations around AI anxiety. When people feel heard, they’re more likely to engage and adapt.
Getting the right Balance
AI can automate tasks—but it can’t replicate what makes us human. Empathy, leadership, creativity, and ethical judgment are irreplaceable. These qualities drive innovation, build trust, and shape our workplace culture. That’s why it’s crucial for HR leaders to help employees see AI not as a threat, but as a tool that enhances—not replaces—their value in the workplace.
We need to ensure that we remember that reframing the narrative is essential. Employees need to hear that their roles aren’t being erased—they’re evolving. AI can take over repetitive tasks, freeing people to focus on strategic thinking, relationship-building, and problem-solving. These are areas where human strengths shine and outperform AI.
Moreover, studies show that businesses that lean too heavily on automation risk losing the very qualities that drive long-term success.
HR teams should actively celebrate those important human skills. Recognising emotional intelligence in performance reviews is crucial. Promote collaboration and mentorship. Highlight stories of employees who’ve used AI to amplify—not diminish—their impact. When people feel valued for what only they can do, they’re more likely to embrace change and contribute meaningfully to the future of work.
AI isn’t just a tech challenge—it’s a people challenge. HR leaders who support emotional well-being, foster learning, and lead with empathy will help their teams not just survive the AI shift—but thrive in it.
Supporting employees through the AI transition isn’t just good practice—it’s good business. If you’re an HR leader looking to build a more confident, future-ready workforce, start with empathy, education, and open dialogue. Get in touch with us today to see how we can support you through this AI transition.
[1] Henley Business School report: Workers are… | Henley Business School
[2] Navigating technostress: AI’s potential without burning out employees
[3] Henley Business School report: Workers are… | Henley Business School
[4] Artificial Intelligence sector study 2024 – GOV.UK
