The Future Report

The traditional Great Australian Dream is undergoing a transformation as the gap between average earnings and property prices continues to widen. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are navigating an increasingly complex path to adulthood characterised by delayed life markers such as marriage and home ownership. This shift is not merely a financial necessity but a cultural movement where the...

Despite the ongoing cost of living pressures, the Australian giving spirit remains remarkably resilient. As our event on the NFP landscape approaches we unpack new research on how people are engaging with charities. Register for the event here: https://mccrindle.com.au/resource/event/2026-nfp-insights/ Wealth & Income infographic: https://mccrindle.com.au/resource/infographic/wealth-and-income...

The modern landscape of communication is undergoing a significant transformation as attention spans tighten and audiences demand more substantial evidence behind every claim. This shift reflects a broader sociological movement where data is no longer just a set of numbers but a narrative tool used to navigate complex changes. By moving from hour-long lectures to concise, high-impact keynotes, lead...

Current students and graduates are entering the workforce during a time of profound transformation. They're entering the workforce at a time when AI is threatening to wipe out many entry level roles. Recent videos have shown keynote speakers at graduation ceremonies being met by booing a the mention of AI. To unpack the future of work and how AI is re-shaping graduate careers we unpack how lea...

Education is the cornerstone of our society, shaping the future for every child, so who is going to teach the next generation In this podcast we unpack insights from our upcoming report titled "The future education workforce" looking at the challenges schools face when training and retaining teachers. The insights suggest that wellbeing is not a simple problem to be solved, but a constant tension...

The nation's attention has been fixed on the federal budget, something that always provides a unique window into our national priorities. In this episode of the podcast Mark McCrindle and Grant Dusting unpack how the budget and Australia’s demographic megatrends are rewriting the future. Access McCrindle Plus here: https://mccrindle.com.au/mccrindle-plus/

The current zeitgeist is defined by a profound sense of fragility and a long tail of uncertainty. While experts often predict quick recoveries from economic and geopolitical shocks, the collective wisdom of the Australian public suggests a more cautious outlook, with many bracing for challenges to persist for a year or more. This time of perpetual change has produced a unique emotional landscape w...

As global events continue to unfold with increasing volatility, the psychological landscape of the Australians is shifting from a state of personal vulnerability to a sense of compounding frustration. In this new report we explore the impact of global events on Australia’s morale and behaviour. By understanding perceptions and how people are behaving in response to the ongoing volatility. Brands c...

Against all expectation, has AI made us more human? As AI takes on more of the technical tasks, the focus is shifting back to what makes us human. There is a pivot away from constant connectivity toward more intentional and balanced living. At the same time, there is a rising concern that relying too much on technology may weaken critical thinking and personal identity. In response, people are pla...

We're currently navigating a complex landscape defined by a state of permacrisis. With global volatility, fuel price increases and other pressures impacting each generation in different ways. In this episode of the podcast we unpack new survey data conducted in April 2026 to explore: How long the conflict in Iran is going to last Top emotions Australians are feeling about the volatility Behaviour...

Australia is currently navigating a period of business and social transformation. While the economy faces record business exits due to rising input costs and price shocks, the entrepreneurial spirit remains resilient, particularly within the healthcare and construction sectors. This economic pressure is acting as a catalyst for a national reshuffle, with population data revealing a mass migration...

The current consumer landscape is defined by a paradox. Where geopolitical tensions and rising costs of living coexist with people leaning into small luxuries purchases. Nearly 8 in 10 Australians are concerned about inflation, with consumers are migrating toward budget brands for household essentials while simultaneously doubling down on investments like private education and premium self-care. T...

The current sociological landscape is defined by a significant decline in trust toward institutions and global leadership. As a result, there is a visible shift toward localism, where individuals prioritise relationships with smaller, more tangible entities. This movement suggests that for leaders to be effective today, they must move beyond mere competence and focus on character and consultative...

Once upon a time people used to worry about overpopulation. Now, the opposite is happening. Australia’s birth rate has dropped to a record low, but it isn't just an Australian story, it's a global shift of a population plateau. Second, we explore the "Retention Revolution." With Gen Z now averaging 18 jobs across 6 careers, the traditional leadership pipeline is breaking. How do you lead a team wh...

To lead well into the future, we must first understand the pulse of the present. This year, we’re doing things differently at The Future Report, intersecting McCrindle’s latest research with the current events shaping our world. Join Sophie Renton and Geoff Brailey as they explore the defining trends of 2026. They discuss the ‘Personality Premium’ and the growing need for authentic, human-centred...

Although we’re futurists by trade, we know that the future only makes sense when it’s grounded in the past. Looking back gives us context, clarity, and some really useful clues about what might lie ahead. To wrap up season 17 (and 2025!), our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with McCrindle’s Managing Director, Sophie Renton, to reflect on the year that’s been - the moments, movements, and megatrends t...

Each year at McCrindle, we release our trends of the year predictions - the trends that we think will shape the year ahead. From demographic, to technological and social trends, it’s a fascinating look into the future. In this week's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with McCrindle’s Founder and Principal, Mark McCrindle, to discuss these trends.

The conversation about diversity often focuses on gender, culture, or background - but not always on age. Yet ageism - whether directed at younger people seen as “too inexperienced” or older people seen as “past their prime” - can limit innovation, collaboration, and opportunities. In this week's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with McCrindle’s Managing Director, Sophie Renton, to unpack...

Gen Z, aged in their late teens and 20s today, already comprise more than a quarter of the global workforce. But many people don’t know how to engage, attract, recruit and retain this emerging generation. In this week's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with McCrindle’s Director of Solutions, Geoff Brailey, to discuss Gen Z at work.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming how we work, learn, create, and even connect. But like every major shift before it, this one raises as many questions as it does opportunities. How do we use AI to enhance human potential rather than replace it? What skills will matter most in a world of intelligent machines? And what does leadership look like in an era where data canthink? In this week'...

The dynamic between schools and families is becoming increasingly complex. Why? Because new generations of parents are coming through and bringing with them new communication styles, expectations and values. So how can schools respond? In this week's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with McCrindle's Managing Director, Sophie Renton, to share some insights into engaging the next ge...

We often hear people from different age groups claim they had it tougher than the rest - from rising costs to housing pressures, each generation argues their struggle is unique. But what does the data actually say? In this week's episode, our podcast producer, Holly Schaaf, sits down with social researcher and generational expert, Ashley Fell, to dig into some of McCrindle’s recent generationa...

Language is always evolving - and for Generation Alpha, who are growing up fully immersed in digital culture, slang is more than just words. It’s a way of connecting, creating identity, and signalling belonging online and offline. From TikTok trends to schoolyard lingo, Gen Alpha has a whole vocabulary that might leave older generations scratching their heads - and sometimes even Gen Z a little co...

From streaming platforms and meal kits to beauty boxes and even pet food deliveries - it seems there’s a subscription for just about everything. But what’s driving this shift from ownership to access? And why are some generations more on board than others? To kick off season 17, our podcast producer, Holly Schaaf, sits down with podcast host and Director of Advisory at McCrindle, Ashley Fell, to u...

Gen Alpha are the most materially endowed generation ever, the most technologically savvy generation ever and they will enjoy a longer life span than any previous generation. They will stay in education longer, start their earning years later and stay at home with their parents later than even Gen Z and Gen Y who went before them. They are clearly an important generation to understand! To wrap up...