Diversity in the workplace/ The Treasure Trove of the Aging Workforce - Case Study Example

Diversity in Workforce Diversity in Workforce Work force diversity is an essential component of any organization. It affects the employment relationships either positively or negatively. Age diversity for that matter affects the management of any organization because of the different cultural beliefs of the young and the old. Organizations have significant policies to deal with workforce diversity.Introduction Social policies and societies face challenges created by the demographic shifts. An increase in the number of older workers is one of the changes that are very dynamic (Parry & Harris 2012).

Social, legislative, health, and economic changes contribute to the trend. Over the years, the aging population has presented challenges and opportunities. It is unfortunate that workers that are older face various discriminatory attitudes within the workforce (Case Incident 2).Changes likely to occur in employment relationships as population agesPositive changesThere will be an increased significant experience in the workforce. There will be good judgments, commitment to quality and a work ethic that is very strong.

Negative changesHaving the aged within the workforce will mean that the younger generations will miss on working opportunities. There will be rigidity and new technology resistance (Parry E. & Harris L., 2012).Challenges that age diversity will create for managersDiversity in age is likely to bring along new challenges to organization managers. This is because of a possible difference in age between an employee who is aged and a manager who is younger. Age differences are therefore very crucial (Case Incident 2).

A younger person may not be sure on how to handle an elderly person who appears more experienced. The young may feel unfair when ordering the elderly and the elderly may feel intimidated when taking instructions from the young. The second challenge is for the manager to find motivation for employees; what motivates an elderly man does not motivate a young man. Lastly, it will be had to bridge the gap between the old and the young when making a workforce that is cohesive.Policies that might lead to charges in age discrimination at workforceSeveral techniques for limiting age discrimination are concise to practices of fundamental sound management practices that are relevant to every employee (Case Incident 2).

Some policies include: Setting clear performance expectations, dealing directly with problems, frequent communication with workers, and consistently following the procedures set (Case Incident 2).By coming up with policies that will place the old in positions that best suit their abilities without subjecting them to stereotype. By coming up with measures of making technology more user-friendly to the old. To make sure that the system of reward is based on tenure and not performance. Policies that encourage acceptance, team work, and mutual coexistence among workers (Case Incident 2).

Challenges faced by organizations when trying to establish a diverse work forceThere are challenges in communication within the work force groups and teams because the employees are from different backgrounds with different cultural beliefs. Organizations are forced to form a company culture that is heterogeneous through well-informed concepts of organizational behaviour and effective communication (Boundless, 2015).Steps organizations can take to overcome challenges in diversity The organization can encourage employees to respect and understand individual differences.

Encourage employees to be assertive. This helps other people to know how a particular person is supposed to be treated hence encouraging mutual coexistence. For example, one can share their religious, cultural or political stand that helps their colleagues to avoid discussing topics that may hurt him. Employees have to learn how others want to be treated too. The relationship is mutual.The important benefits of having a diverse workforce A diverse workforce upholds the legal framework of equal employment opportunity encouraging fair treatment.

Diverse workforce will better serve the diverse market force of different clients and customers. The workforce fosters practices of personal development (Case Incident 2).There are several advantages of a work force that is diverse. They include:Increase in productivity as well as competitive advantages Increase in creativityIncreased language diversity in the work place Positive reputation of the company-there is no discriminationThe older people offer high skill level because of the experience they haveConclusion In conclusion, work diversity is an integral component of any workforce.

It has its advantages and disadvantages. Companies have the responsibilities of Capitalizing on the advantages posed by the diversity and establishing policies that deal with the disadvantages. ReferencesParry E. & Harris L., 2012, The Employment Relations Challenges of an Ageing Workforce. Retrieved 6th March 2015 from Boundless, 2015, “Barriers to Organizational Diversity.” Boundless Management. Retrieved 6th May. 2015 from Case Incident 2, The Treasure Trove of the Aging Workforce