The economy

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EEO Trust study : we’re getting older, and employers better get used to it

August 6, 2009 in The economy

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Late last month the Equal Employment Opportunities Trust published its very thorough analysis of workplace age and gender trends.  The report (which is 66 pages long) is helpfully broken down into individual industries – so if you would like to have a look at a particular type of employment it is easy to do so. 

The overall conclusions are also worth a read.  In brief, the statistics establish that we have an ageing labour force, with a current peak in the ages 40 to 44, followed by the ages 45 to 49. 

While the labour force is projected to continue to grow, over time there will be a decline of active workers in the 25 to 44 age group, with a smaller decline in the 15 to 24 age group. 

In plain English, what this means is that employers will have to get used to accommodating older employees.  In many industries, this may present practical problems (ie where physical fitness is a key ingredient) and cultural changes (ie where turnover has historically led to a younger workforce (some apprenticeships might offer an example of this)). 

These findings are thought provoking – and the document is worth a read. 

 

The nine day fortnight : is it working?

June 23, 2009 in Holidays, The economy

images61The nine day fortnight was greeted by most employees with a mixture of suspicion and relief.   

On one hand, the concept (which is referred to in some other countries as a “furlough”) is pitched as an alternative to redundancy:  work less hours (and get less pay), but keep your job. 

On the other hand,a recent article from the New York Times suggests that many employees who have agreed to take a nine day fortnight actually find themselves working on their day off more often than not. 

The end product is a situation in which the employer ends up paying 10% less salary for a 100% work - and, apparently, dissatisfied workers.   

One wonders if New Zealand workers are sharing a similar experience.

Bleak budget matches bleak outlook?

May 29, 2009 in The economy

cay5nr1ecardveyqcaoudj3qca8spux3caumis0zca382xegca9elw86ca0oserpcau3135ccaew3sc9cav1s07mcagl3a31cag4oekicad0e2duca1xcv5bcaicc0d7cabj3x5uca1m1ufzca56s5pk1Faced with a a decade of deficits against a background of shrinking growth, falling revenue and higher borrowing, the Government’s budget represents belt-tightening and harsh measures designed to bring our nation’s economy into line.  But will it work?

For a summary of the key points (especially in the employment/HR arena), have a look at Alert24 here - and for some perspective, here is a summary of the CTU’s comments.