With the population ageing, Australian researchers have dispelled the myth that people aged over 55 have a use-by date in the workforce.
Nearly 30 per cent of employers who responded to a 2018 survey by the Australian Human Rights Commission indicated a reluctance to hire anyone aged above 50.
However, research led by Professor Patrick Garcia (pictured) from Macquarie University’s Department of Management in Macquarie Park, 13km northwest of Sydney’s CBD, finds that older workers remain an important source of knowledge and expertise for organisations.
“Continued participation in the workforce by older Australians solves several social and economic problems posed by an ageing population. It can reduce reliance on pensions and social security, help deal with skills shortages, and boost retirement savings,” he said.
Mature individuals who continue to work often step into ‘bridge employment’ – a transition phase that occurs between retirement and complete labour-force withdrawal. Bridge employment can be done in a full-time or part-time capacity and with the same or a different organisation. The choice depends on older workers’ needs and whether the organisation addresses those needs.
Organisations need to better support older workers
“Organisations struggle to adapt to older workers’ needs and work orientations,” said Professor Garcia.
But there are steps that businesses can take to support older workers’ intentions to keep working.
Professor Garcia said employers should take the time to understand what their older workers want from bridge employment – and not assume that they want the same thing out of employment.
“It would be particularly beneficial to offer flexible options like the ability to scale back work days for those who would like less involvement to providing opportunities to mentor for those who would like to give back. This personalisation can achieve a win-win for the older worker and the employer,” he said.
Sounds like a great idea to us.
