Challenges of an Aging Workforce
“As Canada's population is aging, so too is its workforce. ...The aging of the workforce is mostly the result of the large cohort of baby boomers who are entering their retirement years. This has resulted in a larger share of people aged 55 and older in the labour force than has previously been the case. ... In some occupations, the impact of an aging workforce was moderated by the entry of women in large numbers in recent years. ... A similar pattern was seen in other professional occupations as well, such as lawyers and Quebec notaries, and financial auditors and accountants.”
“In some occupations, aging is largely the result of structural declines. In some ... occupations, workforce aging occurred simply because workers in these occupations are less in demand, often as a result of automation and globalization. These occupations are therefore less attractive to younger workers. ... Emerging occupations are less affected by an aging workforce. ... Some occupations related to computer and information systems that were prevalent in 2016 had no direct equivalent in 1996. This reflects the growing importance of the knowledge economy.”
The Daily, July 25, 2019: “Occupations with older workers”
Statistics Canada, July 25, 2019: “Results from the 2016 Census: Occupations with older workers” (17 pages, pdf)
Challenges of Minnesota’s Aging Workforce
“A new report from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs offers recommendations to Minnesota employers, community leaders and local governments on how to address the state’s workforce needs amidst high retirement rates and fewer new workers. ... Many baby boomers are staying on the job longer and delaying retirement, but may also want to cut back from a full-time work schedule so they can help with family obligations or volunteer in their communities. ... The series of conversations reinforced the economic diversity of Minnesota’s urban and rural areas, and made clear there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to the challenges of the aging workforce.”
University of Minnesota, September 18, 2019: “New report from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs explores the challenges of Minnesota’s aging workforce”
Humphrey School of Public Affairs, 2019: “Courageous Conversations: Minnesota’s Aging Workforce” (8 pages, pdf)
