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Falling Birth Rates Reshape the Office Furniture Industry
Description
Episode 71 of The Demographics Podcast explores how declining birth rates and shrinking workforces are transforming the office furniture industry. Lucas and Luna examine the case of Steelcase, the world's largest office furniture manufacturer, whose revenues have stagnated as companies consolidate office space and invest in fewer, higher-quality pieces. They discuss how the shift from cubicles to collaborative spaces, driven by a tight labor market where firms compete for older, experienced workers, is reshaping product design and sales. The hosts also touch on the rise of ergonomic and senior-friendly furniture as the average office worker age climbs past 42. A concrete look at how demographic trends literally reshape the places where we work.