IBM launches 'grey' consultancy

IBM has launched a consultancy service to tackle the problems faced by companies in retaining and managing staff reaching retirement age.

The services will include strategic consultancy, and will offer business intelligence and performance management tools to provide key data in real time to make it easier for firms to keep staff and ensure that their knowledge is retained and shared.

IBM said that it will also offer advice on modifying jobs and retraining staff, as well as provide methods of capturing expert knowledge.

"Firms are starting to examine what the so-called 'ageing population' means in terms of skills, knowledge and growth," said Mary Sue Rogers, global leader at IBM's Business Consulting Services Human Capital Management group.

"Many companies are taking this opportunity to evaluate their workforce skills globally, rethink internal knowledge management, optimise people-based processes, and examine a more globally integrated business model."

Recent research has shown, that among countries in the European Union, the number of older workers (50-64 years) will grow 25 per cent, while younger workers (20-29 years) will decrease by 20 per cent, over the next 20 years.

The IBM services will be provided in association with partners, notably Cognos which provides business intelligence and performance management solutions.

Big Blue believes that the process can lead to revenue. The company recently converted its paper-based billing service to an online system and retrained many of its processing staff into consultants who now sell the system to other firms.

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