Alexandria, Va. -- The face of the U.S. workforce will go through dramatic changes early in the next millennium, according to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The population of minorities will continue to grow, baby boomers will reach retirement age and people without spouses or children will represent one of the fastest growing segments of the workplace population.
"Businesses must be keenly aware of current demographic shifts," said Michael R. Losey, president and CEO of SHRM. "The demographic changes that lie ahead will require many new human resource strategies to accommodate a vastly different workforce."
First, childless and single people will represent one of the fastest growing workforce groups in the next millennium. In 1994 there were 44.2 million never-married adults in the U.S., more than double the number of never-married adults in 1970, according to Census Bureau data. The number of childless couples is expected to grow nearly 50 percent by 2010.
Already, people without spouse and children are seeking benefits that are better suited to their lifestyles. Employment law experts warn that discrimination suits based on parental status are likely to emerge. "As a result, employers will have no choice but to explore a wider variety of work/life benefits instead of work/family benefits," Losey said.
Second, ethnic minorities will make up 28 percent of the workforce by 2005, according to Census Bureau data. This trend will place more emphasis on diversity programs to attract and develop a qualified workforce.
Finally, the first of the baby boomers will turn 65 in 15 years. Many boomers, thanks to improved health care and lifestyles, will continue to work past traditional retirement age. At the same time, increased burdens will be placed on already stressed Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid systems.
In March, SHRM warned of a looming retirement crisis unless a comprehensive national strategy is put in place. "Retirement trends, coupled with an aging boomer population, will require innovative benefits and compensation strategies," Losey said. "When boomers do finally retire, employers will have a difficult time finding skills and experienced employees from a smaller pool of younger workers."
The Society's most recent edition of Workplace Visions, a provides more information about demographic trends that are likely to reshape workplaces in the next millennium. Contact: Andrew Ludlow at (703) 548-3440, ext. 3611.
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