Global Demographics
A look at the changes to the workforce itself
Aside from the issues that impact the workforce, there are changes occurring to the workforce itself. We must consider the implications that changing demographics will have on the workplace and the way we do work. As with the effects of climate and technology, changing demographics will present both pressures and opportunities for the markets and for society. We look at the main workplace drivers affecting the 21st century.
Ageing workforce
We have reached the peak of global population growth. It is expected that between 2019 and 2050 that growth will fall by around 35%. Birth rates are declining, and life expectancy is increasing in developing countries. This deceleration will result in an ageing workforce. What this means is; there will be more over 65’s within the total labour force.
Factoring older workers and gender into workplace risk assessment will take more consideration regarding factors such as task design, workplace design, and the physical demands involved.
The natural ageing process causes declines in cognitive and functional capacities. From a risk perspective this will result in more slips, trips and falls with more serious consequences such as fatalities, fractures and hospital time. Physical ability can also vary with gender and whereas older women have the capacity to live longer, they are also more susceptible to diseases such as MSDs and osteoporosis. Factoring older workers and gender into workplace risk assessment will take more consideration regarding factors such as task design, workplace design and the physical demands involved. The workplace must also evolve to invest in lifelong learning so that ageing works can thrive and be productive.
Younger workers
Regions such as Southern Asia and Africa have large populations entering the workforce below aged 25. The rate of underemployment and unemployment at this age is significantly high compared to people above 25. Younger workers also experience high rates of occupational injury due to factors such as low physical, social and emotional maturity; education; practical skills and formal education. Younger works are more susceptible to being exploited due to lack of bargaining power. It sees young workers in more hazardous occupations, poor conditions, long hours, and loose employment arrangements.
Gender imbalance
Across the globe females are consistently less likely to be employed than males. And whilst this gap is closing women are more likely to be involved in non-standard work arrangements e.g. part-time work, informal work, and contract work. Females are also most likely to be in the home. Women are over represented in certain sectors such as the care sector, resulting in a specific pattern of injuries and ill health such as MSDs due to muscle strain, fatigue and interruptions – this is more so than men in the same sector.
The platform economy has resulted in more women working in the home and being exposed to unique risks such as domestic abuse, long work hours, poor employment rights and overall support. This form of working blurs the line between home life and work adding psychosocial issues to women who are balancing demands such as childcare. The involvement of women in IT and digitalised work has also seen an increase in online bullying, harassment and trolling. Again, this results in disproportionate stress and psychosocial risks amongst women at work. The issues of platform work and working from the home will require cooperation between governments and social partners – to ensure that safety starts in the home and domestic duties are shared equally amongst men and women.
Migrant workers
Whilst some migrants work in skilled labour, it is shown that most migrant workers are employed in dirty, dull, and dangerous jobs with informal work conditions
Employment is the main driver behind global immigration. And even when it is not the primary reason it will feature in the migration process given the age demographic of those who travel. The migration process is particularly taxing, both physically and mentally – even for the healthiest of individuals. In some cases, the migrant process can be fraught with real dangers such as exhaustion, drowning, human trafficking, assault, asylum conditions, and family separation.
Whilst some migrants work in skilled labour, it is shown that most migrant workers are employed in dirty, dull, and dangerous jobs with informal work conditions. In many cases migrants are outright exploited and are exposed to hazardous and intensive tasks within sectors such as agriculture, domestic work and construction. Poor wages and working conditions are compounded by the risks to their safety and well-being. Due to the casual, seasonal and fragmented nature of their work they are rarely eligible for social welfare and social protections available in that country.