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Impact of the Aging Workforce on the Technology Industry

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Impact of the Aging Workforce on the Technology Industry
Impact of the Aging Workforce on the Technology Industry
How Retiring Baby Boomers Affect the Job Market
From Laura Schneider, former About.com Guide
See More About: * baby boomer retirements * aging workforce * technology job openings
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Overview
By the year 2010, a large percentage of the workforce will be retiring. This is causing what has been referred to as a "huge knowledge gap". As this generation approaches their retirement years, companies are starting to change the ways that they define work. This outflow of competent workers also opens up many new job opportunities, even during a time when the economy is not growing.
Changes in the Workplace
One of the interesting ways that the aging workforce is changing the way we work is by bringing a measure of flexibility to the office. Companies are finding that employees in this age group require different work conditions. They are less interested in working long hours, less defined by their careers, and much more interested in part time work. As a result of this trend, "quality of life" has become a key phrase. Telecommuting, job sharing, part time work and flex scheduling can be partially attributed to this generation's influence.
Alliance for an Experienced Workforce
Within the past few years, nearly two dozen industry associations have grouped together to create a new organization, the Alliance for an Experienced Workforce. This group works with employers to find creative ways to keep the retiring baby boomers working.
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