By: Sam Hoey | CRP, GMS

December 6, 2018

China’s labor force is in decline. After fifty years of continued expansion, the labor force in China declined last year. Although China still has over 20% of the world’s labor, the decline is indicative of how China’s economy is transforming.

Several other countries with major economies have declining labor forces similar to China’s labor force decline. Countries with declining labor forces include:

  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Russia
  • Spain

Since 2013, many other countries and regions with major economies, as well as several developing countries, have seen their labor forces expand. Countries and regions with expanding labor forces include:

  • European Union
  • India
  • Mexico
  • Turkey
  • United States

Additionally, China is increasingly expanding its level of capital stock. Whereas in 2000 the U.S. capital stock per person was 12 times the level in China, by 2014 the ratio had fallen to 3 times. Recent investment by China has probably pushed the ratio even lower. China is quickly moving on par with the U.S. level of stock per person, even as China’s labor force declines.

What does this mean?

The government in China continues to promote the nation as one that mainly exports lower-value consumer goods and finished products. However, this does not reflect the reality of China’s investment in capital stock. The decline in China’s labor force will further erode the country’s ability to use labor to support its growth as a trading partner of lower-value consumer goods and finished products. The U.S. is currently a trading partner that exports higher-value capital goods and intermediary goods to China. The future for China’s economy will be in this same higher-value market of goods.

What should employers expect?

Employers in China should expect to find it increasingly difficult to recruit and hire as China’s labor force continues to decline. Those with plans to expand into new markets should take this into account as they develop their hiring plans and corporate objectives. Employers should also expect the economy in China to increasingly expand into higher-value capital goods and intermediary goods. There may be significant opportunity in China for companies looking to expand in this market of goods.

What should employers do?

Employers finding difficulties in hiring and recruiting for positions in China should consider highlighting their relocation program’s benefits in their recruiting materials to counteract the effect of China’s labor force decline. The healthcare industry has been facing critical talent shortages for several years. Healthcare employers have responded in several ways, including:

  1. Providing Exceptional Candidate Experiences
  2. Using Data to Enhance Recruiting
  3. Recruiting for Cultural Fit
  4. Creating a Superior Employer Brand
  5. Speeding the Process to Keep Candidates Engaged

Relocation Management Companies (RMCs) are ideal sources for information on global candidate recruitment and relocation. Pre-Decision Services are critical for employers as they provide valuable information about a candidate’s ability to accept a position and be successful. Assessment data can be paired with structured interview questions to better understand the candidate’s interests, goals, and motivations.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop relocation programs that attract and retain qualified employees. Our team can help your company by using industry best practices to design your relocation program for the greatest appeal to positions in China. This will increase your company’s ability to attract and retain new employees as China’s labor force declines and its economy transforms.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com. It also created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation™ technology platform.

Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s relocation program needs, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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Senior Vice President, Global Account Management Sam joined Global Mobility Solutions in 1996 and has a unique perspective with her 25 years of industry experience. Samantha offers her clients relocation expertise and a commitment to excellence in her. Her proficiency in orchestrating the BVO and GPO Programs, as well as relocation policy design and implementation, are invaluable assets to the accounts she manages. Her experience in administering Pre-Decision Relocation services to enhance the recruiting process further demonstrates her unique abilities to service her clients. Samantha’s diverse experience, leadership, and outstanding communication skills enable her to manage the relocation process for her clients with finesse and polished professionalism.

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