America’s Shrinking Workforce: How Demographic Trends Are Reshaping the U.S. Economy

America’s Shrinking Workforce: How Demographic Trends Are Reshaping the U.S. Economy

May 13, 2026 · 53 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of a shrinking workforce in the U.S. due to demographic trends.

For the first time, the U.S. is facing a future where each generation is smaller than the last, even as people live longer than ever. Luke Pardue, co-editor of the Aspen Economic Strategy Group’s landmark report series “Demographic Headwinds: The Economic Consequences of Lower Birth Rates and Longer Lives,” joined us to explore what these trends mean for labor markets, public finances and businesses – and the strategies that could ease the pressure ahead. This program is presented as part of the Travelers Institute’s Forces at WorkSM initiative, an educational platform to help today’s leaders navigate the shifting dynamics of the modern workplace and prioritize employees and their well-being. Watch the original Wednesdays with Woodward® webinar: https://institute.travelers.com/webinar-series/symposia-series/demographic-trends . --- Visit the Travelers Institute® website: http://travelersinstitute.org/ . Join the Travelers Institute® email list: https://travl.rs/488XJZM . Subscribe to the Travelers Institute® podcast newsletter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7328774828839100417 . Connect with Travelers Institute® President Joan…

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