WORKFORCE

The Workforce Profile

The people engaged in or available for work, either in a country or area or in a particular company or
industry.

The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population working or seeking work.

Important Elements of the Workforce Profile

Participation rates predict future workers. Age, generation groups, employee skills and skill gaps, and
readiness for work are variables used to profile the workforce.

Generation groups include Mature, Baby Boomers, Generation Xers, and Generation Yers (Millenials).
Each group has different characteristics that affect HR practices.

Companies can train managers to handle differences among age groups.

Skills gaps occur when employees do not have the skills to help a business accomplish its goals.

Schools can educate students before they enter the workforce. Organizations and their HR departments
can provide training for their employees.

The Nature of Work and Jobs

Work is effort directed toward accomplishing results. A job is grouping of tasks, duties, and
responsibilities that constitutes the total work assignment for an employee.

Total work processes to be done in all jobs = total amount of work to be done
Workflow Analysis
Workflow analysis is the study of the way work (inputs, activities, and outputs) moves through an
organization. An integrated workflow analysis leads to better employee involvement, greater efficiency,
and more customer satisfaction.