Empowering Corporate Ageing Management by Interconnecting Existing Data: A Case Study from the German Automotive Industry

Abstract

In the context of demographic changes in Germany the question of how to maintain corporate competitiveness and employees’ work ability becomes important. The case study in the automotive industry shows that in various corporate spheres of activity there are good initiatives but a strategic approach which interconnects existing processes in terms of a comprehensive ageing management is missing. Relevant corporate experts were therefore looking for support. The so-called FIT-model devised during the survey helps to make the issue in corporations more comprehensible. Five additional products were developed to support the organisation of performance indicators; to raise management’s awareness of the issue; to communicate principles of ageing-appropriate work design; to reach the employees with the programmes of workplace health promotion and to improve the cooperation between companies and social insurance agencies. Initial feedback to the largely industry-independent results is positive.