Labour market in the conditions of generational changes. Selected research results

Purpose: The main purpose of the article is to present the value of age diversity and its beneficial impact on current and future existence of companies in time of demographic crisis. There is the urgent need observed to implement the age diversity management due to increasing number of seniors and decreasing number of young labour force. What is more, in the article the chosen results of the author’s research project in that sphere of interest are presented. Design/methodology/approach: The study was conducted among thirty-two small and eighteen medium-sized companies located in Poznań poviat. Four research criteria were adopted. CATI and PAPI methods were used to collect the answers. Findings: According to the study, majority of chosen companies might be called reactive due to the fact that only three companies have so far implemented the age diversity management concept. The idea of mixed teams is not popular in surveyed companies. What is more, 78% of respondents have experienced stereotypes about old age. Research limitations/implications: The biggest limitation of research is the number of respondents. What is more, future studies should concentrate in more detailed way on stereotapes, skills and more information should be got about the way the companies function on the market. Practical implications: It is important to explain company’s managers the negative aspects of eldering processes on labour market and teach them how to prevent from them by implementing the age diversity management. Social implications: Adapting both workplaces and working hours to seniors’ needs and expectations and creating friendly atmosphere at work are the main conditions to create high level of work satisfaction and - as a result to - prolong senior’s activity on labour market. Originality/value: The originality is sought in examination wheatear companies take into consideration demographic trends while managing the chosen companies and in recalling recommendations for future.