Question : Facing the Workforce of the Future

The diversity of the U.S. population has changed significantly over the past decade, and more shifts are expected over the next 20 years. Some examples include: 1) construction firms are employing a large number of Hispanic/Latinos and they must adapt their recruiting, training, and safety practices to reflect this diversity in their workforce; 2) Harley-Davidson increased the number of minority and women managers and workers by 20% over the past decade which has resulted in more African America, Latino, and women customers; 3) long-haul trucking companies are focusing on recruiting and training women to counter an expected shortage of 111,000 drivers by 2014.

Questions for Discussion: Please correspond with at least two members of the class and discuss this subject.

1. What are some of the major laws affecting organizations as thet attempt to recruit a more diverse workforce?

2. What are some ways that recruiting would be done differently to attract more African Americans? Latinos? Women?

3. What are some ways that training would be done differently for African Americans? Latinos? Women?