The Future of Work and The Australian Lifestyle with Bernard Salt

02/27/25 • 34 min

Welcome to Season Six of Change Happens. This season, we're going to explore the forces shaping the future of work. From emerging trends to technological developments, we'll uncover what's changing and how we're adapting.

Bernard Salt AM is a leading demographer and futurist who has spent decades analysing the forces shaping society. In this episode, he unpacks the profound demographic and societal shifts post-COVID, introducing the concept of 'peak humanity' and what it means for Australia's future. From the housing market to the care economy and labour force participation, Bernard explores the challenges and opportunities ahead, advocating for the smart integration of technology and the critical role of social skills in navigating change.

In this episode, Bernard shares:

Why Australia is uniquely positioned to thrive in the era of 'peak humanity'
The evolving needs of millennials and baby boomers in the housing market
The role of technology and automation in solving labour shortages
The impact of an aging population on healthcare and social services
Why he remains optimistic about Australia's resilience and adaptability

Host: Jenelle McMaster, Deputy CEO and People & Culture Leader at EY

Guests: Bernard Salt AM, author, demographer, futurist

and Tim Hicks, EGM of Policy and Advocacy at Bolton Clarke.

Listen now: Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

In this episode, Bernard shares:

Why Australia is uniquely positioned to thrive in the era of 'peak humanity'
The evolving needs of millennials and baby boomers in the housing market
The role of technology and automation in solving labour shortages
The impact of an aging population on healthcare and social services
Why he remains optimistic about Australia's resilience and adaptability

Host: Jenelle McMaster, Deputy CEO and People & Culture Leader at EY

Guests: Bernard Salt AM, author, demographer, futurist

and Tim Hicks, EGM of Policy and Advocacy at Bolton Clarke.

Listen now: Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Previous Episode

Change Happens Season 6 - Coming Soon...

A quarter of the way into this century, it’s the perfect time to step back, reflect, and consider what has changed—and what’s about to—across workplaces, industries, and our lives.

This season, Jenelle McMaster—Deputy CEO and People & Culture Leader at EY—explores the forces shaping the future of work.

From emerging trends to technological advancements, we’ll uncover what’s changing, how we’re adapting, and the real-world impact of these shifts—plus what they mean for the leaders of today and tomorrow.

Season 6 of Change Happens returns on February 27.

Next Episode

The Future of Work and The Australian Lifestyle (Part 2)

If you haven't already, be sure to go back and listen to Part 1 of this episode with renowned social demographer Bernard Salt, where he lays the groundwork for understanding the dynamics at play in our society. From the housing market to the care economy and labour force participation, Bernard explores the challenges and opportunities ahead, advocating for the smart integration of technology and the critical role of social skills in navigating change.

In this bonus deep dive, we’ll further explore the Aged Care sector with Tim Hicks, Executive General Manager of Policy and Advocacy at aged care provider, Bolton Clarke.

Host: Jenelle McMaster, Deputy CEO and People & Culture Leader at EY

Guests: Tim Hicks, EGM of Policy and Advocacy at Bolton Clarke.

Listen now: Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.