In this Elderberries essay, demographic strategist Bradley Schurman argues that leaders are unprepared for one of the most profound shifts shaping the future of work: the rapid ageing of the workforce and the demographic reshaping of organisations. He explains why demographic literacy — understanding population trends, longevity, migration, and age‑diverse teams — is becoming a critical management skill. Schurman highlights how demographic forces intersect with technology, geography, and economic resilience, and why leaders who ignore these shifts risk making poor strategic decisions.