If you manage people, Workforce Crisis warns you to prepare for major demographic shifts. Authors Ken Dychtwald, Tamara Erickson and Robert Morison join a growing chorus of social scientists who argue that a labor and skills shortage in the U.S. is coming. Declining birthrates, a retiring baby-boomer generation and increasingly competitive labor markets could drive out experienced, older workers before they've been replaced.
How to stem this outgoing tide? For retirement-age workers, firms should offer flextime and retiree-return programs. For midcareer workers -- those most likely to be frustrated by stalling careers and dissatisfying work -- companies should create new assignments and offer mentoring. And to retain younger employees -- who are most prone to workplace wanderlust -- bosses should be prepared to offer hands-on experience and exciting work right away. If you buy the theory of an impending labor crisis, this book helps manage skills so they don't walk out the door. ($29.95, 268 pages)
Lauren Horwitz, former managing editor, production, for CIO Decisions, is now managing editor for TechTarget's Data Center Media Group. Write to her at lhorwitz@techtarget.com.
This was first published in July 2006
Join the conversationComment
Share
Comments
Results
Contribute to the conversation