- Assignment 1: Employing Older Workers
Aim: To analyse the arguments and strategies that maximise healthy and productive organisational performance through maximising people resources
Learning Outcomes:
To be able to
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding around key and contemporary debates about theory and practice in the fields of HRM and work psychology and how these are met in practice whilst assessing its contribution to the organisation.
Evaluate and analyse workplace scenarios relating to relevant business strategies for effective and ethical HRM through the application of psychological principles within current organisational contexts.
Background
The EU population, like those of most other world regions, is living longer and in better health. Since 1960, life expectancy has climbed by eight years, and demographic projections foresee a further five-year increase over the next forty years. This is an historic achievement. It means however that, together with the low birth rates of the past decades, Europe's population is ageing fast, something that is happening all over the world with the exception of the poorest countries. The European Statistical Office projects that by 2060 there will be only two people of working age (15-64) in the EU, for every person aged over 65, compared to a ratio of four to one today. The strongest push in this direction is expected to occur during the period 2015-35 when the baby boomers, who were born in the two decades after World-War II, start to retire (European Commission 2012).
Key Tasks:
Using the information provided in the document ‘Employing older workers for an effective multi-generational workforce: case studies’,* write a short report of no more than 2000 words which addresses the following tasks:
Develop a robust business case why companies should adopt strategies to recruiting older workers, ensuring that you critically discuss both the benefits and challenges associated with having an older workforce. You must make reference to at least two of the case study organisations in making your case.
Make recommendations as to the kinds of action organisations must consider in ensuring they they have a ready supply of labour in the future.