Sam Miles

1 Introduction Globally, humanity faces the challenge of declining fertility rates. Empirical evidence from multiple countries shows a consistent decrease in fertility rates (Papagni 2023; Aitken 2024; Giuntella et al. 2022). Notably, the homogenisation of global fertility patterns becomes increasingly discernible as numerous major industrialised nations exhibit a marked reduction in fertility trends (Papagni 2023).

INTRODUCTION During the COVID-19 pandemic, key workers and other essential frontline workers (henceforth collectively referred to as ‘key workers’ as per UK Government definition Office for National Statistics (2020)) were required to continue going to workplaces, including throughout lockdowns in England when the government advised all non-essential workers to work from home (UK Health Security Agency, 2022).

2023 is shaping up to be a real year of transformation. As revealed in our latest macrotrend, The Paralysis Paradox, we have noted the emergence of shared solutions and radically disruptive innovation from science, technology and business organisations willing to challenge and transform themselves, their business models and their industries.