Human capital: The impact of recent trends on your investment

Every Tuesday in February, Andreas Ohl, PwC’s Global ESG Technical Leader, will be taking over the podcast and talking all about a company’s most valuable intangible asset, human capital. He will discuss what it is and why it matters, how it’s treated in financial and ESG reporting, and how its value is reflected in deals. 

To kick off the series, host Heather Horn and Andreas were joined by Zain Siddiqui, a senior economist with PwC Intelligence, to break down the macroeconomic and demographic trends leading to the scarcity of human capital seen today. They’ll also discuss how companies should think about human capital (perhaps differently than before) given these trends. 

In this episode, you’ll hear discussion of:

• 2:27 - What led to the abundant labor supply of the last few decades
• 7:15 - The impact of COVID on the current labor force and the fundamental shift in worker preferences
• 12:43 - How these demographic trends impact economic growth 
• 14:44 - How to create value for your business by viewing human capital as an investment and not an expenditure 
• 25:17 - What investing in the workforce means for businesses
• 38:10 - Final advice when looking ahead

Stay tuned for upcoming podcasts in this series. Listen to our previous podcast with PwC Intelligence for a broader geopolitical and macroeconomic update.  

Andreas Ohl is a partner in PwC's National Office focused on thought leadership, standard setting, and mergers and acquisitions under US GAAP and IFRS. In addition to his US responsibilities, he leads the sustainability topic team for the PwC global network. Andreas is chairman of the Business Valuation Standards Board at the International Valuation Standards Council, is a member of the working group that authored the AICPA's in-process R&D guide, and has served as a member of the FASB's Valuation Resource Group.

Zain Siddiqui is a senior economist for PwC Intelligence with a specialty in macroeconomics and finance. He advises stakeholders and clients on the business implications of emerging macro and geopolitical vulnerabilities, and helps them shape business strategy. His research has appeared in books on international economic policy and macroeconomic journals.

Heather Horn is PwC’s National Office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series. With over 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.