The Changing Face of Today’s Workforce

The U.S. workforce, the most demographically heterogeneous workforce in the world, is characterized by rapid change and diversity. Although nearly three-fourths of the U.S. population is still classified as white, the makeup of the workforce continues to change. Projections indicate that by 2050, Hispanics will account for 24%, African Americans for 14%, Asian Americans and other ethnic groups for 9%, whereas whites will represent only 53% of the U.S. population (Gooley).

Immigrants are projected to constitute half of all new U.S. workers. Similarly, as the U.S. Bureau of the Census estimates, by 2030,65-year-old employees will make up one-fifth of the total

U.S. population (Committee for Economic Development). Women’s labor force growth is projected to be faster than men’s. In 2050, women are estimated to make up more than half of the labor force compared to 45% in 1988.The Changing Face of Today’s Workforce

Considering the above demographic projections, the U.S. workforce reflects and will continue to reflect diversity based on culture, ethnicity, gender, and age. If the above changes indeed represent America’s future demographic reality, companies will continue to be challenged by an increasingly diverse society.

How does your organization plan to address today's demographic challenges?