HR - Human Resources
♦ - Foundation
◊ - Advanced

♦ HR1: Workforce Engagement Across Demographics
Towers Perrin has unique insight based on two significant, and very recent, research assignments. In late September  2007, Towers Perrin, in collaboration with AARP, released an extensive and authoritative study, Profit from Experience, that explores the demographic influences on the aging of the workforce, the impact of that trend on employment factors, and best practices around employment in light of the changing demographics. The study includes extensive employee research conducted by Harris Corporation as well as an in-depth evaluation of 36 world-wide employers. In addition, Towers Perrin has also released, just this month, its third Global Workforce Study including its cut distinct for US employers. This study focuses on the factors that influence employee recruitment, retention, and engagement cut by age, service, gender, and other unique demographics, providing insight to broad-based talent management for all employers.

John B. Egner, Principal, Towers Perrin bio

◊ HR2:  The Aging Workforce
There is an emerging and unprecedented challenge looming ahead with the global aging of the current workforce and the decline in the number of youth over the next few decades. While businesses initially focused on retiring these aging employees and developing the younger workers, HR leaders are now rethinking how they can include the aging population as a talent source. Older workers offer a valuable set of skills, experiences, and behaviors acquired with time, but they also require a unique approach to benefits, scheduling, and training. Our presentation will demonstrate how we use a strategic life stages process in understanding and responding to the changing demographics of a company’s workforce, which includes:

• A review of market trends and employee demographics
• An analysis of cost requirements, benefit design, staffing models, and regulatory implications
• A report to senior management to help them make operational, staffing, benefit and cultural changes to keep the aging worker productive

Debbi B. Bromley, Vice President, Human Resources, GENEX bio
Joseph A. Wert, Regional Practice Leader, HRadvantage bio

♦ HR3: Breaking Down Language Barriers and Other Communication Issues
This session discusses statistics surrounding minority and English as a second language employee’s participation in healthcare plans and retirement saving plans. We will also address ways to communicate with a unique employee population. The impact of rate minority workers are saving as compared with other American workers is significantly lower; however these employees often have a higher confidence in retiring. Surveys also show the number of minority employees enrolled in healthcare benefits provided by employers is often times lower than that of other American workers.

Organization’s offering benefit plans have a responsibility to communicate information to their employees, not only to stay compliant with federal and local regulations, but to retain workers by helping them understand how their benefits are working for them. Many employers find it challenging communicating with employees already, but when you consider language barriers and other communication issues it becomes even more difficult. In this session we will identify ways to help all employees understand their benefits.

Michael Carter, Vice President, Hay Group bio
Kurt Fichthorn, Vice President, Hay Group bio

◊ HR4:  How Do You Say "Communicate" in Gen X, Gen Y and Millennial?
"Communication" means different things to different generations. While memos and meetings were sufficient for Baby Boomers, the Millennials expect YouTube and MySpace. Never the twain shall meet? Not necessarily. We'll discuss current research and applied HR communication practice in organizations. We'll talk about what works (authenticity) and what doesn't (withholding information). We'll talk multimedia and multitasking. We'll discuss mass customization to get the biggest bang for your communication buck.

Frank Roche, Partner, iFractal bio
Sarah Chambers, Partner, iFractal bio

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