Research Studies
Sometimes organizations need to increase their credibility and visibility on issues of changing workforce demographics, if their products and services are directly related to these changes. We provide leading edge studies for clients who want to establish a market position of thought leadership on solutions for the business and personal impacts of a changing workforce. We can also help firms design and execute their own qualitative research projects related to changing workforce issues.
Samples of our recent work include studies done in collaboration with MetLife’s Mature Market Institute:
Searching for the Silver Bullet: Leading Edge Solutions for Leveraging an Aging Workforce
This report will show you how to:
- Transfer knowledge more effectively
- Build loyalty and retain high performing employees longer, and
- Leverage the growing pool of "retirees" who can still add tremendous value in your organization.
The report uses new case studies from First Horizon Bank, Boston Scientific, Weyerhaeuser, and the Aerospace Corporation to show how leading edge organizations are improving performance in the face of increased generational diversity in the workforce. This study, conducted by David DeLong & Associates in collaboration with MetLife's Mature Market Institute, is based on 75 interviews in 28 companies.
- Download study (.pdf 1,289KB)
Living Longer, Working Longer: The Changing Landscape of the Aging Workforce
Among the important findings from this survey of 2,700 U.S. residents age 55 to 70 is the significant shift that occurs in motivation to work for people in their sixties. This study shows that employers will need a variety of recruiting, retention, and workplace strategies to address the changing needs, priorities, and preferences of workers as they grow older. In contrast to the stated plans of Baby Boomers, this survey reveals the decisions people are actually making today about work and retirement. The report also identifies the evolving perceptions and meaning of "retirement," and it also explores the implications of the growing phenomenon of the "working retired."
- Download study (.pdf 310KB)
The Paradox of the ‘Working Retired’ – Barriers to Increased Labor Force Participation for Older Workers
Forget the fact that Baby Boomers say they want to work longer than previous generations. All the research data says they won’t do it. This paper explains why. It shows how your organization must change if it is to effectively retain and attract older workers in the face of major shortages of skilled labor.
- Download study (.pdf 146KB)
Accenture Reports
Confronting the Chemical Industry Brain Drain: A Strategic Framework for Organizational Knowledge Retention. Based on interviews in 25 global chemical companies, this 16-page report describes the management challenges caused by changing workforce demographics. It also presents a framework for developing a long-term knowledge retention strategy. The insights provided are important for managers in many industries.
- Download study (.pdf 1100KB)
Better Practices for Retaining Organizational Knowledge: Lessons From the Leading Edge. This 16-page report shows how some organizations are attempting to improve knowledge retention through a range of initiatives that include interviewing, mentoring, storytelling, IT applications, phased retirement policies, and programs to effectively utilize retirees. Examples are drawn from many industries.
- Download study (.pdf 1084KB)
The reports in this section were written by David DeLong for Accenture's Institute for Strategic Change, where he was formerly a research fellow. They are made available with Accenture's permission. For more information on Accenture's recent research, please visit their website at www.accenture.com.