McKinsey senior partners discuss global productivity, the impact of technology on wages, and the need for investments. They explore disparities in productivity growth rates between countries and the potential of digital transformation to boost productivity. Additionally, the challenge in Europe to fill skilled labor positions is addressed, suggesting hiring ethnic-minority employees as a solution.
Investments and digital transformation can boost productivity for all economies.
Hiring ethnic-minority employees can address skilled labor shortages in Europe.
Deep dives
Changing Demographics and Impact on Productivity
As the majority of the world's population ages, there is a higher dependency ratio, requiring increased output per unit of labor. This shift in demographics necessitates advancements in productivity to sustain society. With changing demographics and technological evolution, the global perspective on productivity is evolving.
Productivity Trends and Challenges
Over the past 25 years, there has been a significant increase in global labor productivity, indicating a productivity miracle. However, the rate of productivity growth is decelerating worldwide. Disparities exist among economies, with varying rates of productivity growth. The concept of 'fast lane' economies highlights the substantial differences in productivity growth rates.
Factors Influencing Productivity Trends
Incremental advances in technological progress and capital accumulation have positively impacted productivity growth. The transition to intelligent machines, automation, and generative AI is expected to drive a substantial surge in productivity. However, concerns regarding employment displacement necessitate a focus on retraining and inclusive job transitions.
Ethnic Minority Employees and Productivity Improvement
Ethnic minority employees present a solution to filling skilled labor shortages in Europe. Research indicates that the inclusion of ethnic minority communities in the workforce can address talent gaps and significantly contribute to economic growth. Strategies such as anti-bias training, inclusive leadership programs, and cross-sectoral engagement are crucial to harnessing the potential of this diverse talent pool.
Labor productivity over the past 25 years has been a success story for some, a tale of stagnation for others. Investments and digital transformation can boost productivity for all economies. On this episode of The McKinsey Podcast, McKinsey senior partners Chris Bradley and Olivia White join editorial director Roberta Fusaro to discuss how best to measure productivity, what’s behind curbed productivity numbers, and what can be done to ramp up productivity rates again.
In our second segment, McKinsey senior partner Tania Holt explores the challenge that Europe faces in filling many open skilled labor jobs. The answer, says Holt, is hiring ethnic-minority employees.