The new "grey power" - Findings of a CROP-ORHRI survey on retirement management

    MONTREAL, May 22 /CNW Telbec/ - At a time when organizations continue to
face labour shortages, over one-third of Québec workers (38%) say they plan to
retire before age 60. Retirement management has thus become a major strategic
challenge for organizations, and older workers are becoming a rare and
sought-after commodity. These are the findings of a CROP survey conducted for
the Ordre des CRHA et CRIA du Québec (ORHRI), which were released following
its seminar "Retirement: a question for the future," held today in Montreal.

    "Grey power" increasingly in demand

    According to the CROP survey, 61% of Quebec workers plan to retire
between the ages of 55 and 64.
    "In today's environment, older workers represent a labour pool that
employers can no longer do without. That's why it's crucial to review
management practices to encourage willing pre-retirees to stay on the job as
long as possible. Organizations need their valuable expertise," explained
Florent Francoeur, CHRP, Ordre President and CEO.

    Phased or complete retirement?

    The survey also reveals that 53% of respondents favour phased retirement,
versus 41% who prefer complete retirement.
    "The fact that only half the workers are considering phased retirement is
of some concern. Yet people are now healthier and living longer than previous
generations. So we have to create conditions to increase the numbers of
workers who opt for phased retirement. For example, we could adjust benefits
and compensation policies, and reorganize work within organizations," added
Francoeur.

    Retirement doesn't seem to worry workers

    In addition, 83% of those interviewed said they were not very or not at
all worried about retiring, compared to 16% who admitted they were fairly or
very concerned.

    The complete results of the CROP-ORHRI survey and some highlights are
available at www.orhri.org/presse (in French only).

    Seminar reminder

    Date:  Thursday, May 22, 2008
    Place: Hyatt Regency (Complexe Desjardins)
           1255 Jeanne-Mance, Montréal
    Time:  from 8:30 a.m.

    ORHRI is the primary human resources management and industrial relations
reference organization in Quebec. Recipient of a Grand Prix québécois de la
qualité 2005, it has a membership of close to 9,000 dynamic professionals,
including over 7,500 CHRPs and CIRCs. It is the only organization authorized
by the Professional Code to confer the designations of certified human
resources professional and certified industrial relations counsellor. Active
in all sectors - businesses, government organizations, unions, academia,
consulting firms - CHRPs and CIRCs work in industrial relations, human
resources management, occupational health and safety and in-house professional
development.

For further information: Caroline Benarrous, Coordinator, Event
organization and communications, (514) 879-1636 ext. 224, 1 800 214-1609 ext.
224; Cell phone: (514) 941-1989, c.benarrous@orhri.org