[Engelstalig artikel]
A new multidisciplinary study from Angela Messioui Andries de Grip Jos Sanders and Marion Smit shows how economic skills obsolescence—when workers feel their skills no longer match evolving job demands—can quietly erode occupational health.
Based on longitudinal data from nearly 4,500 older Dutch workers, the researchers found that:
✅ Workers who felt their skills were outdated due to changes in the workplace experienced higher burnout and lower work engagement
📆 These effects significantly contributed to more frequent and longer periods of absenteeism
⚠️ Burnout and low engagement acted as clear mediators in the relationship between skills obsolescence and absenteeism
Why does this matter for occupational health professionals and employers?
💡 Because skills obsolescence is not just about employability—it’s a hidden health risk. The stress it creates contributes to mental exhaustion, lower motivation, and eventually, more sick days.
To address this, organizations can:
✔️ regularly assess employee skills relevance;
✔️ promote lifelong learning and access to upskilling—especially for older employees; and
✔️ Treat economic skills obsolescence as an early-warning signal for burnout and absenteeism
As technology continues to evolve, investing in people is the most strategic—and humane—response. 🧠💪
Read the full study: https://lnkd.in/diDR9jHB
