Women's Role in Society and Other Demographic Trends

Here's an interesting talk given by Anne Manne about the role of women in society and work, called Love and Money. Whether you agree with her views or not, it raises some important questions, the answers to which will ultimately affect the way in which employers will need to think about patterns of employment and support for childcare. A core of the argument revolves around the difference between the right to equality at work versus the compulsion that women should be at work and the implications of decisions around that for the next generation of workers (many of whom will be reared by child-carers rather than parents). It's a longish piece (around 50 minutes) and only for those who can listen with an open mind. Definitely not for those with no interest in having their ideas challenged.

Continuing on the theme of demographics, there is an argument that we are all getting too anxious about the pending reduction of numbers of people in the workforce, because increases in productivity rates (which even at the lowest levels increased at an annual rate of 1.5%) will compensate for a big chunk of the reduction. Also, we are neglecting to see that the impact is likely to positive in terms of rising wage levels, reduction in the number of lowest paying jobs, reduction in pollution and freeing up of land.

In both cases, it means that organizations need to be planning strategically for the workforces they will require in the future - not just focusing on year on year recruitment plans.