Mapping Skill Shortages in OECD Countries

Although labour shortages have eased from their post-pandemic peak, employers continue to report difficulties hiring workers with the right skills. These skill imbalances are expected to intensify. Population ageing will shrink the workforce, while digitalisation, AI and the green transition are rapidly reshaping skill needs. Addressing the gap between the skills employers need and those workers possess requires timely and accurate data. The OECD Skills for Jobs database provides a harmonised and objective measure of skill imbalances in 38 countries. The results reveal persistent and widespread occupational imbalances across OECD labour markets. Shortages are particularly pronounced in high-skilled occupations, such as ICT specialists, science and engineering professionals, health professionals, and teachers. By contrast, lower-skilled occupations are more frequently characterised by labour surpluses. These patterns highlight the growing polarisation of labour market pressures and underline the urgency of policies aimed at improving skill matching and workforce adaptability.