THE 3D RESET: Demographics
A missing workforce will increase the use of technology and AI to keep costs down and improve productivityDemographics explained
Around the world, we are seeing aging populations in many advanced economies. As baby boomers are coming to retirement, many economies don’t have enough young people coming of age to replace them in the workforce. This has been further exacerbated by the pandemic as many left the workforce since 2020 due to early retirement or long-term sickness. This scarcity of workers could have significant impact on inflation and economic growth as wages rise. In this environment, businesses will need to pay more for salaries and productivity-boosting technologies such as robotics, automation* and AI*, while workers will demand higher pay increases to alleviate the rising cost of living.
* Defined within the 3D Reset glossary
Key Takeaways
Falling labour force means scarce talent in the workforce
With global population growth predicted to decline and labour force growth expected to slow, the number of available employees will decrease, putting pressure on employers to compete for talent.
Increased inflationary pressures
With fewer workers, businesses may need to pay more in salaries to attract the right talent, aggravating inflation. Workers will demand bigger pay increases to alleviate the rising cost of living. And businesses won’t be able to offset these costs easily through offshoring and migration, as these have become less attractive or politically feasible options.
Increase in investments in productivity-boosting technologies
Companies will have to think about and invest in technology that increases productivity to protect profit margins, leaning more on robotics and AI, where possible.
THE 3D RESET
The world's disruptive return to the old normal
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Glossary – 3D Reset
Scroll through our reference guide of key economic terms to better understand how The 3D Reset will shape a new economic regime