The impetus for change would come from the massive retirement of the post-World War II baby boomers — a phenomenon present in most advanced countries. Across the OECD, there were 20 persons aged 65 and over in 1980 for every 100 people of working age (20-64); now that figure is 28 and is projected to double by 2050.

The OECD report suggests that a growing scarcity of workers will cause businesses to automate more activities and accept more immigrants. That is possible. But it's also possible that a tighter labor market will push up wages and cause firms to provide more job security, as companies compete for essential workers.

In any case, the OECD has concluded that much-heralded warnings of a job implosion are overstated. At least one study forecasts that nearly half of today's jobs will be automated. The OECD is skeptical. Its estimate is just 14 percent over the next 15 to 20 years. This figure may seem high, but it's less than 1 percentage point annually.