IBM's Workforce Policies and Age Discrimination

The video discusses IBM's transition from a dominant tech firm in the 1980s, valuing a stable workforce, to facing criticism for age discrimination in recent years. It highlights IBM's layoffs of older employees, legal challenges, and biased evaluation systems. The video also covers IBM's response to these issues and the potential implications for other companies.

What was IBM's workforce policy in the 1980s?

• Frequent layoffs to maintain efficiency

• No layoffs for full-time employees

• Hiring only young employees

• Outsourcing most of its workforce

What significant change occurred in IBM's workforce strategy in recent years?

• Shift to a fully remote workforce

• Focus on international expansion

• Significant layoffs of employees aged 40 and over

• Increased hiring of older employees

What challenge did IBM face that its competitors did not?

• A large number of aging employees

• Lack of technological innovation

• High employee turnover

• Limited global presence

How did IBM sidestep age discrimination laws?

• By providing additional training for older workers

• By offering higher salaries to older employees

• By using arbitration instead of court for disputes

• By promoting older employees to higher positions

What was one method IBM used to evaluate employees that disadvantaged older workers?

• A system based on physical fitness

• A system that only considered educational qualifications

• A system that ignored years of service

• A point system favoring newer employees

What percentage of older employees were rated as 'good enough to stay or be promoted'?

• 50%

• 60%

• 80%

• 90%

What was a common outcome for employees who signed IBM's severance package?

• They were rehired within a year

• They could sue for age discrimination

• They waived their right to go to court

• They received a promotion

What option were remote workers given by IBM?

• Take a pay cut to stay remote

• Continue working from home

• Relocate to an office or resign

• Switch to part-time work

What was IBM's official response to the findings of age discrimination?

• They promised to rehire older workers

• They admitted to some mistakes

• They claimed compliance with the law

• They denied all allegations

What is a broader implication of IBM's handling of its older workforce?

• It causes a decline in IBM's market share

• It leads to a decrease in tech innovation

• It sets a precedent for other companies

• It results in higher employee satisfaction