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How Automation Is Helping Companies Address Labor Shortages

A photo of a warehouse with multiple robots working alongside human employees.

In recent years, labor shortages have become a significant challenge for businesses across various sectors. The scarcity of skilled workers, driven by factors such as the retirement of Baby Boomers and the declining interest in certain industries among younger generations, has forced companies to seek innovative solutions to maintain productivity and competitiveness. Automation has emerged as a key strategy to address these labor shortages, enabling businesses to optimize operations, enhance productivity, and create new job opportunities.

The Impact of Labor Shortages

Labor shortages have far-reaching implications for businesses and the broader economy. According to a Forbes article, by 2030, more than 85 million jobs could go unfilled globally due to a lack of skilled workers. This shortage is exacerbated by the retirement of the Baby Boomer generation and a declining interest in certain industries among younger workers. The U.S. manufacturing industry, for instance, requires over 188,000 new workers annually to support growth and replace retiring employees, yet fewer than 4% of Gen Z workers are interested in manufacturing jobs.

Automation as a Solution

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