Attract, retain and innovate: a workforce policy architecture adapted to modern conditions

Abstract

Purpose

Proposes the adoption of six strategic objectives around which to build a workforce policy architecture for the future.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from a review of the literature, this paper investigates a workforce policy response to emerging social and demographic trends, forecast workforce shortages, ongoing and rapid change, the growth in complexity and the changing nature of work.

Findings

A workforce model that supports organizational growth and development, characterised by attributes that are associated with knowledge society work is proposed. These include: trends that alter the balance of the social structure; social and human capital growth; lifelong learning; a policy emphasis on the self; workplace flexibility; and the development of an organizational identity as a preferred corporate employer.

Practical implications

The outcomes of this paper are significant for large Australian public sector organizations.

Originality/value

This paper provides an integrated workforce management framework for dealing with emergent trends. The findings in this paper are of value to Australian public sector human resource executives.

Citation

Jorgensen, B. (2005), "Attract, retain and innovate: a workforce policy architecture adapted to modern conditions", Foresight, Vol. 7 No. 5, pp. 21-31. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636680510622163