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Today's workplace is already a tapestry
comprising people of countless different backgrounds, ethnicities,
age groups, religions, and more. But that diversity is just
the beginning of a radical shift in the makeup -- and requirements
-- of tomorrow's workforce.
The New Workforce gives you a clear
picture of the rapid changes now under way -- along with
the steps required to attract and retain motivated, loyal,
and productive employees. Based on a wealth of statistics,
research, interviews, and firsthand experience, the book
pinpoints five sweeping trends:
An increasingly aging yet active population:
Lifestyle changes and medical advances are keeping people
alive and fit into their 90s; financial pressures and personal
desire are keeping them working as well. Companies that
can harness the power of these experienced and skilled employees
will reap concrete financial benefits.
The decline of the nuclear family and
the rise of alternative households: Once considered
the unshakable norm, the traditional nuclear family now
represents only a small fraction of households. Today's
workforce increasingly consists of female heads of households,
same-sex partners, stay-at-home dads, dual-income families,
unmarried couples, and other arrangements. And the benefits
programs required to support and retain them are quickly
evolving to make flexibility a key component.
Four generations working side by side
-- with a fifth on the way: The Silent Generation, the
Baby Boomers, Generation X, the Baby Boom Echo, and the
newest entrants to the world -- the Millennium Generation...
Each has competing needs, values, expectations, and working
styles. Smart companies will mine the wisdom and experience
of their older employees with the energy and stamina of
the younger ones to create a powerful multi-generational
workforce.
A workplace that is growing more diverse
and more blended: Whether it's race, ethnicity, religion,
gender, or sexual orientation, the workforce is growing
more diverse at a faster rate than ever before. Truly successful
companies won't just tolerate diversity; they will accept
and respect their "workforce in a blender."
The need for a "higher purpose"
in the workplace: A paycheck is not the only thing that
employees want. Studies show that they also seek a spiritual
component, which includes personal growth, balance, and
meaningful purpose. Organizations that champion trust, individual
respect, and ethical conduct will build committed workforces
and creative thinkers.
In addition to mapping the path from current
needs to future requirements, The New Workforce supplies
powerful ideas for radically revamping HR policies, recruiting
efforts, compensation and benefits, and learning and training,
including advice on: flexible scheduling - in-house medical
support - double family leave - telecommuting - literacy
tutoring - sabbatical programs - digital matching - aptitude
testing - total-rewards strategies - mentoring up - and
much more.
The New Workforce is indispensable
for human resources professionals, managers and executives,
and entrepreneurs. It's an all-in-one resource for peering
into the immediate future and preparing for the rapidly
changing face of tomorrow's workforce.
Harriet Hankin is the president and an
owner of CGI Consulting Group, Inc., a benefits design consulting
and administration company. She has won numerous awards,
including Pennsylvania's Best 50 Women in Business for 2000,
Greater Philadelphia's 2001 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur
of the Year Award for Business Consulting, and 2001 Businesswomen
of the Year from the Great Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.
She lives in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and can be reached through
her Web site, www.cgiconsulting.com.
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