Manpower predicts more age diversity in the workplace

Manpower, the recruiter of specialist, flexible and contract workforces is predicting a dramatic change in the age structure of the workforce of tomorrow. Statistics show that populations across Europe are getting older and the number of younger people in work is falling, thus changing the workforce spectrum and creating new challenges for employers.

By 2006, the EU will introduce legislation to outlaw age discrimination, which will aim to address inequalities of age in the workforce. The ageing population in Europe is a potential demographic timebomb and it is therefore vital that government and business examine and implement solutions to tackle this socio-economic issue.

The demographics
The structure of Europe''s population is changing. Changes in birth rates have led to a decrease in the number of younger people in society and a corresponding increase in the number over 50. With these changes, the political and economic power of older people will increase, as they demand better employment, health, social care and other services.

- Europe has some of the oldest populations in the world. In Belgium, Italy, Sweden and Greece 21-23% of people are aged over 60.

- By 2010, 30% of working Europeans will be aged between 50 and 64. This will outnumber the 15-29 age group.

- In France, the number of 100 year olds is expected to increase by more than 3000% by 2050.

- By the year 2050, the average age in Western Europe will be 47. Today the average age worldwide is 26 years.

- Research in the UK published in July 2002, showed that as a national average, 21% of company staff are over the age of 50.

Benefits of diversity
These demographic challenges will lead to greater age diversity in the workforce, with widespread implications for employers and employees alike.

For employers, the benefits of employing people over the age of 50 are considerable. The 50 plus age group is reliable and flexible, with high levels of employer loyalty - it is expected that a person aged 50 and over who has found new work will stay with their employer for at least 5 years. Older people tend to have many transferable skills developed over years of employment and are more proficient in life skills. They are also open to training and retraining programmes. In the under 30 age group, there is a tendency for employees to move jobs more frequently, although this can also be beneficial for building skills.

Employees can also benefit from an increasingly age-diverse workforce. The interplay between different age groups, with more experienced staff mentoring younger colleagues and thereby increasing the effectiveness of this less experienced group, is a real organisational strength for any company.

Manpower operates a code of practice across its entire organisation that supports age diversity in the workforce in a variety of ways. Recruitment and selection is wholly based on identifying the necessary skills and abilities for the job - not age.

Yoav Michaely, senior vice president and managing director of Manpower Inc EMEA says:

Manpower looks for individuals who show commitment, enthusiasm and an aptitude for the task that lies ahead. In this regard, age is not a distinguishing factor when selecting the appropriate candidate. We employ all staff on the basis of relevant skills and hope that other employers do the same. We are committed to training and retraining workforces.

In the UK, Manpower is a founder member of The Employers Forum on Age and actively supports policies that will open employment opportunities throughout the age spectrum. Manpower also works actively in the New Deal 50 programme and supports the government''s Age Positive campaign. Manpower encourages employees across the world to participate in training programmes through its unique online Global Learning Centre - a 24-hour, online university, with tutorials and seminars offering some 2,000 courses free of charge, on everything from basic PC skills to strategic marketing.

Yoav Michaely continues: The challenge is to encourage the over 50''s to stay in work as the number of younger people is decreasing.