What’s the value of packaging workers on the brink of retirement?

Lisa McTigue Pierce, Executive Editor

February 5, 2015

1 Min Read
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Are you in the twilight of your packaging career? Like many industries in the country, the packaging industry is experiencing a significant shift in its workforce. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “The labor force will continue to age, with the annual growth rate of the 55-and-older group projected to be 4.1%—four times the rate of growth of the overall labor force.”

As baby boomers retire, though, the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that the overall labor force participation rate will dip, “leading to a slowdown in the growth of the labor force.” In 2012, the BLS said it expected the slowdown to accelerate in the 2010–2020 timeframe.

The ramifications of this downward trend will directly impact the day-to-day responsibilities and workload of packaging professionals in various functions, including manufacturing, research and development, engineering and design.

Before older, experienced workers leave to enjoy the next stage of their lives, Packaging Digest wants to hear from these packaging mavens on the charms and challenges of their job at this point in their career.

If you are age 60 or older, please take a few minutes to take our poll. If you know someone who is in this age group, please pass this on to them.

Click here to launch the survey.

About the Author

Lisa McTigue Pierce

Executive Editor, Packaging Digest

Lisa McTigue Pierce is Executive Editor of Packaging Digest. She’s been a packaging media journalist since 1982 and tracks emerging trends, new technologies, and best practices across a spectrum of markets for the publication’s global community. Reach her at [email protected] or 630-272-1774.

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