How is the workforce changing?
By 2010, 64 million baby boomers (40% of the American workforce), will begin to reach retirement age. Some 20% of all public school teachers expect to retire within the next five years, creating need for some 200,000 teachers per year. Similar trends are expected to occur in government, health care, in non-profits and in other sectors critical to our national well-being. The number of workers aged 34-54 grew by 35 million between 1980-2000. Between 2000 and 2020, the number of 34-54 year olds is expected to grow by only three million. Boomers currently serve as the foundation of virtually all private and public endeavors in our society. Their abrupt departure from the workforce, along with their knowledge and experience, would create a huge talent shortage in our society.
