As there is an increase in people’s lifespan many workers are now older than 50 and continue to play a vital role in the workplace. Older employees in the workplace can enhance the productivity of your company by contributing their experience and knowledge. Research also indicates that their morale is likely higher than that of younger staff.
Because of this, here we have compiled a practical guide for employers and human resources (HR) managers alike on how to support older employees in the workplace and how to be an older worker friendly employer.
1. Provide older employees in the workplace with new skill learning opportunities
As an employer, it is your accountability to have open discussions with your employees to determine any skills that they need to improve to make sure they are satisfied and self-assured with their daily tasks.
2. Treat your older employees in the workplace without any generalized perceptions
Put an effort into combining younger employees and elder staff into the same teams for a host of varied new ideas and super effective performance. Emphasize the essence of avoiding categorizing aging workers as those who are weak at technology to your team leaders.
3. Always update your company policies regarding employees’ wellbeing
Because most workers older than 50 are diagnosed with a chronic medical condition, your company needs to cast an emphasis on life insurance, critical illness, chronic condition coverage as well as potential grandparental leave. This can serve as reassurance for them and their family if any accidents happen to them.
4. Attend to your older employees in the workplace with ergonomic equipment
Another approach to become an older worker friendly company is to provide the elderly workers with adjustable desks and comfortable seating. The key purpose of this minor yet effective change is to serve as a solution to the root cause of persistent back pain which is a medical condition that these aging employees usually have. It is also a principal reason for their work absences.
5. Support your older employees in the workplace with attractive compensation and flexible working hours
Many studies indicate that nearly four fifths of workers over 50 years of age desire flexible working hours. Your organization can consider flexible work alternatives such as employing retirees for temporary projects, providing full-time employees with part-time working hours over several years, allowing semi-retirees to work part-time job responsibilities.
Takeaway
On the whole, older workers in the workplace are a valuable asset to your organization. Consequently, it is best to always practice the aforementioned tips to create a brilliant workplace experience for them and take your older employees in the workplace to the next level of accomplishment.