1、March 2025Breaking the standstill:How social mobility can boost Europes economyEurope is a leader in social mobility,but progress has stalled.Businesses that act can gain significant performance benefits while helping close the skills gap and boost productivity.A just and inclusive society has long

2、been a strength of European countries.The continent is a world leader in advancing social imperatives such as gender equality and,historically,socioeconomic mobility.Yet progress on the latter has stalled in recent years,limiting the economic growth that is vital for Europes competitiveness.Research

3、 shows that social mobility can accelerate productivityincluding through greater workforce participation,better skills matching,higher consumer spending,fewer talent constraints on corporate growth,and lower healthcare costs.More than one-third of Europeans face significant barriers today,with lower

4、 employment,less-productive jobs,and slower career progress than people from higher socioeconomic backgrounds(SEBs).Ultimately,these individuals futures are constrained by their parents economic past.Both they and society suffer as a result.This is a challenge,and not just for governments.Businesses

5、 have a critical role to play in fostering a more inclusive,meritocratic,and productive workplaceand a great deal to gain from the more dynamic economy that results.As Europes population ages and businesses need new skills,the pools of available skilled employees are rapidly becoming insufficient.Co

6、mpanies that act now can capture significant advantages,our research suggests,including not only better access to talent but higher value creation per worker,stronger employee retention,and improved decision-making.By setting strategic objectives,leveraging data-driven insights,and implementing targ