Ageing workforces: An empirical study of German industrial three sectors

Drew, Hilary

Abstract

The following paper presents empirical data from medium-large sized companies in Germany, in order to examine the challenges of managing demographic change from an organisational perspective. The findings are consistent with the literature on demographic change, presenting problems for which include a rise in the average age of workers, health issues, apathy and resistance amongst older workers, a skills deficit and a decline in the supply of new skilled workers. The paper contextualises the situation in Germany, in order to highlight external pressures on Germany, stemming from global recession and policy change within Germany, in particular, an end to state-funded early retirement. These drivers of change impact directly on organisations, placing them under pressures to cut costs, in order to remain productive. The findings indicate that German firms are faced a range of issues related to managing an ageing workforce, including managing skills and training and coping with motivation levels. The empirical data also highlights an organisational paradox surrounding the need to retain older employers at the expense of managing newer ones through the accommodation of new apprentices.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: British Academy of Management Conference 2013: Managing to Make a Difference
• Start Date: Sep 10, 2013
• End Date: Sep 12, 2013
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2013
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: demographic change, ageing workforce, coordinated market economies, organisational change, Germany
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/928274
• Publisher URL: http://www.bam.ac.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=1161&reset=1
• Additional Information: Additional Information : Winner of best paper award for HRM track; Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : British Academy of Management Conference 2013: Managing to Make a Difference