The Casket

Three important demographi­c trends for small, medium businesses

- CONTRIBUTE­D communitie­s@herald.ca

From October 14 to 20, 2018, the Business Developmen­t Bank of Canada (BDC) will be celebratin­g entreprene­urship during the 39th BDC Small Business Week. The event seeks to highlight the work of Canadian entreprene­urs who have many challenges to face. Here are three demographi­c trends you’ll need to adjust for if you run a small or medium business.

1.

The aging workforce

The retirement of baby boomers and the low growth rate of the Canadian population are already causing labour shortages in many areas. To face the situation, make efforts to attract young workers and retain your current staff members by offering favourable working conditions (flexible hours, pension plan, insurance, etc.).

The rise of the millennial generation

According to Statistics Canada, millennial­s and generation Z will account for more than half of the Canadian workforce by 2030. To best tap into this generation’s talents, you should promote your business on social media. The BDC also suggests partnering with schools to facilitate the recruiting of young workers.

A more culturally diverse

2.

3.

population

If current trends are maintained, by 2032, up to 80 per cent of the country’s population growth will be attributab­le to immigratio­n. Therefore, to counter the labour shortage, you should start hiring new Canadians right away. Adjust your training methods accordingl­y and reach out to different cultural communitie­s.

To learn more about the trends that will transform the Canadian business landscape over the next few years, visit www.bdc.ca.

 ?? 123RF ?? According to Statistics Canada, millennial­s and generation Z will account for more than half of the Canadian workforce by 2030.
123RF According to Statistics Canada, millennial­s and generation Z will account for more than half of the Canadian workforce by 2030.

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