Aging Workforce

The Treasure Trove of the Aging Workforce

Abstract

This paper will discuss the changes in employment relationships, the challenges managers will face, types of policies that lead to discrimination and how to reverse them. Also, it will discuss other challenges, positive actions, and the important benefits organizations usually face while building a diverse workforce.

Keywords: Age discrimination, Management engagement, Employee training and development

Introduction

As the average lifespan of the human population continues to rise, the need for personal savings and earnings follows suit. In recent years, businesses have found themselves facing the challenge of accommodating not only their own gradually aging employees, but also incoming older workers. As companies strive for globalization and a diverse customer base, it is crucial that they implement several facets of diversity and employee training.

Changes in employment relationships as the population ages

As the population gradually gets older, employers are seeing both their loyal employees and new hires age. New change, comes with new perceptions and a need to adjust. Studies (James, McKechnie, Swanberg, Besen, (2013) have shown that when it comes to the aging worker, unintentional and intentional discrimination occurs brought on by negative stereotypes. According to the Journal of Managerial Psychology (Volume 28 Issue 7/8) , negative perceptions include: minimal interest in development and training or promotional opportunities, they are easy layoff targets, or they lack adaptability to new technologies, flexibility, and have technological incompetence. If employers view aged workers as having minimal capabilities, they are less likely to promote or hire them. Also, in the viewpoint of the worker themselves, unfair treatment due to age, leads to a negative workplace experience causing low work satisfaction. (James, McKechnie, Swanberg, Besen, (2013)

New challenges for managers created by...