Managing an ageing workforce: what is the value of human resources management practices for different age groups of workers?

Abstract

In the near future the aging population that is occurring will have consequences both in terms of population and the composition of the workforce and skills shortages. With this study we intend to investigate which are the Human Resources Management Practices (HRMP) that workers recognize in their organizations, as well as, the importance they attach to each of these practices according to their age.

For this purpose, it was applied a survey to 528 workers of several companies. This study showed that the dimensions Training; Rewards, Recognition and Participation; and Performance Evaluation are those HRMP most valued by workers of all ages. Flexible Work Practices dimension is the one that registers a lowest average score for older workers. The Job Security is the practice that all workers, but particularly older, perceive as being one that is less present in the organization.

Another important conclusion is that workers attach a greater degree of importance to HRMP than what they perceive to exist in their organization. In practical terms we conclude that the HRMP available in organizations will not meet the needs of particular age groups.