Aging and Shrinking Populations in CEE Countries: Implications for Practitioners and Policymakers

Abstract

The global “grand challenge” of aging is especially noticeable in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries that have some of the world’s fastest aging populations. All CEE countries are aging rapidly and projected to lose significant amounts of their working age populations within the next generation. We analyze how aging populations affect organizations in the region. We generate insights for practitioners and policymakers as to how they can best manage in this aging environment, including focusing on workplace productivity, building more inclusive and family-friendly workplaces, leveraging the diaspora, and comprehensive social safety net reform.