| July 24, 2008 | News about the changing workforce - for employers |
 |  |
| Top Stories |  |  |
|
- Northrop takes steps to retain, motivate older workers
Defense contractor Northrop Grumman is among the companies taking steps to retain older workers. Chief Human Resources Officer Ian Ziskin said the company expects 50% of the company's workforce to retire over the next five to 10 years. He said the company continues to look for ways to motivate and challenge senior employees. Northrop is also asking experienced employees to train and mentor new workers, he said. U.S. News & World Report/Planning to Retire blog
(7/17)
    
- The state of benefits in 2008
Expensive employee benefits have held steady or been cut in some instances, but benefits are expanding in other areas, according to a national survey by the Families and Work Institute. The survey also noted nonprofits tend to offer a wider array of benefits.
More employers have added flex time, elder care information and EAP and wellness programs to their cart of benefits. But employers have cut the amount they contribute toward employee health insurance and have reduced participation in defined pension plans as well as reduced what they contribute to retirement plans. And fewer offer full pay during maternity leave. HR.BLR.com
(7/15)
| Industry & Workplace Trends | | |
|
- Workplace skills remain important for experienced workers, poll finds
Workplace skills are more important for experienced workers than for new employees, according to a poll of human resources professionals. Nevertheless, many employees do not participate in skills training because they don't believe the training is helpful. "Employers need to communicate with their employees to determine the most effective skills training for them," said Susan R. Meisinger, president-CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management. "We need both sides to agree on the best way to remedy the current lack of competencies in the workforce, and to prepare the workplace for the upcoming labor shortage." CCH
(7/11)
- Despite positive outlook, willingness to learn, stereotypes persist about older workers
Older employees tend to have a more positive outlook about their jobs than younger workers, according to several new reports. The reports also found that more senior workers want to participate in professional enrichment courses to expand their knowledge base. Nevertheless, stereotypes persist about older workers. Deborah Russell, director of workforce issues at Washington-based AARP, says there continues to be a perception that older workers aren't willing to learn new things and are not interested in training. Human Resource Executive
(7/16)
| AARP News | | |
|
 |
-
Scholarship program helps women build job skills
Again this year, the AARP Foundation will provide funds to women 40+ who are seeking new job skills, training and educational opportunities to support themselves and their families. The Women's Scholarship Program began in 2007 to give women access to education and training opportunities they could otherwise not afford. The application process closes Aug. 22, 2008. Scholarships will be awarded in early 2009. Open the application form. Learn more about the Women's Scholarship Program.
-
Recruitment tips for tapping older workers
To recruit 50+ workers, understand your target market -- but keep in mind that this is still a diverse pool of applicants. Know that many mature workers come with skills that can easily transfer from other fields. Very importantly, offer the kinds of benefits and employment practices that 50+ workers want, such as health benefits, flexible work options and training. This article shows how some companies have done it. Read more.
|
| Law and Regulation | | |
|
- Will pay discrimination bill see a final Senate vote?
Some U.S. lawmakers are attempting to revive legislation would allow workers to sue their employer within 180 days of receiving any paycheck that they believe was affected by discrimination. If passed, the legislation would overturn a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that held that pay suits must be filed within 180 days of the original discriminatory action. The House approved the bill last year, but in April, it fell three votes shy of the 60 needed to end debate on the measure in the Senate and bring it to a final vote in that chamber. Workforce Online
(7/17)
- Appeals court says cash-balance plans don't discriminate
Cash-balance pension plans do not violate federal age discrimination laws, per a recent ruling by the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The court is the fourth appeals court to rule that cash-balance plans do not violate age discrimination laws. The court noted that the benefits provided to younger employees are worth more than the same benefits provided to older employees, but the difference is the result of time and compound interest. Workforce (free registration)
(7/11)
| SmartQuote | | |
|
 | Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege."
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| |
| | Recent AARP SmartBrief Issues:
- Thursday, July 10, 2008
- Thursday, June 26, 2008
- Thursday, June 12, 2008
- Thursday, May 29, 2008
- Thursday, May 15, 2008
| | | Mailing Address:
SmartBrief, Inc.®, 1100 H ST NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005 | |
| |
|
© 1999-2009 SmartBrief, Inc.® Legal Information
The news reported in AARP SmartBrief does not necessarily reflect the official opinion
of AARP. Some links in AARP SmartBrief are time-sensitive, and may move or
expire over time. Some sources also may require registration or fee-based
subscriptions. |
|