The number of Georgia workers age 55 and older is projected to grow at four times the rate of the overall labor force. Furthermore, growth in the labor force of those less than 25 years of age is expected to be flat.  To address this challenge, the ARC Board passed a resolution calling for the creation of a taskforce to study the issues surrounding the aging of the workforce (PDF) and to develop strategies to harness the experience and knowledge of older workers. ARC subsequently convened an Employer Roundtable comprised of employers and organizations interested in emerging aging workforce dynamics. An initial project of the roundtable was a regional summit that explored a variety of issues, including challenges in managing a multi-generational workforce, strategies for keeping retirees engaged, the social safety net and financial issues for older workers.

Presentations at the Aging Workforce Dynamics Summit:

GlaxoSmithKline's Prime Time Partners Network (PDF) was created to provide resources that can help interested mid-career employees and others plan the transition to a different phase of life, another career or retirement. The group is also working to maximize knowledge transfer before the “Brain Drain” occurs. Presented by Reecie Dolan, GlaxoSmithKline Corporate Communications.

In his presentation, "A Golden Opportunity: Recruiting Baby Boomers (PDF)," Bob Lavigna of the Partnership for Public Service explained what the federal government is doing to address the impending brain drain within the federal workforce and how it is changing in order to attract talented employees to service with the federal government.

Long-term care specialist Tom Hebrank discussed long-term care insurance (PDF), explaining the impact of a family's need for long-term care service on an employee and providing an overview of the benefit options that employers can offer.

Innovative programs to keep retired employees engaged were presented by two employers in the region, IBM (PDF) and Georgia Power. (PDF)

Georgia's Work Ready Program (PDF) was presented by Fred McConnel, Governor's Office of Workforce Development.