Addressing the challenges of an ageing workforce: an intergenerational learning toolkit

an article by Donald Ropes (Inholland University of Applied Sciences, Haarlem, The Netherlands) published in Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal Volume 29 Issue 4 (2015)

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this article is to discuss some of the challenges organizations face in regards to an ageing workforce and to present the results of an European Union project called SILVER (see www.intergenerationallearning.eu) that developed a toolkit to help management in knowledge-intensive organizations deal with older personnel in a positive and effective manner by organizing intergenerational learning.

Design/methodology/approach
This study involved interviews with 32 international human resource managers and a local survey of more than 1,100 mid and upper-level managers. Testing and evaluation of the toolkit was done in 43 organizations.

Findings
Older workers bring several challenges with them, namely, ensuring continuous learning, social issues and diversity. The toolkit helps to deal with these challenges in a flexible and constructive way.

Originality/value
This article gives insights into how older workers can positively contribute to learning in organizations.

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