As people age, they often face discrimination in the workforce. This is mainly due to the false belief that older employees are less capable or productive than their younger counterparts. However, with the proper support from employers, more senior employees can be just as successful and valuable team members. In this article, we will explore how employers can create an age-inclusive workplace and support their older employees.
By putting the following policies and practices in place, employers can make it easier for older workers to stay employed and contribute to the workplace in a meaningful way:
Encourage Flexible Work Arrangements
As our population ages, more and more employees are caring for elderly parents while also trying to maintain their own careers. This can be a tricky balancing act and often leads to employees feeling stressed and overworked. Employers can help to support their older employees by offering flexible work arrangements. For example, an employee caring for an elderly parent might appreciate the ability to work from home one or two days per week. Or, an employee who is starting to experience age-related health issues might enjoy having a later start time.
Flexible work arrangements can be beneficial for both employees and employers, as they can lead to increased productivity and decreased absenteeism. In addition, employees who feel supported by their employers are more likely to be loyal and stay with the company for a more extended period.
Make Their Movement in the Workplace Easier
As employees age, they may struggle to perform tasks that were once easy. This can be a source of frustration and may even lead to injuries. However, employers can take some simple steps to help older workers move more quickly in the workplace. For example, you can ensure that workstations are ergonomically designed and properly adjusted for each worker. This will help to reduce strain on the body.
You can also provide assistive devices such as step stools or handrails. These can be especially helpful for employees who have difficulty bending or reaching. If your office is a multi-story building, you can also opt for a home or business elevator. Finally, provide regular opportunities for stretching and exercise.
Support Training and Development Opportunities
As the workforce ages, employers face the challenge of best supporting their older employees. Training and development opportunities can play a crucial role in helping older workers stay up-to-date on new technology and practices and feel engaged in their work. By offering regular opportunities for training and development, employers can help more senior employees feel valued and supported and keep them working at the top of their game.
Furthermore, investment in training and development can help create a more diverse and inclusive workplace, which can have numerous benefits for both employers and employees. When supporting older workers, training and development opportunities should be high on any employer’s list.
Provide Generous Benefits
As the Baby Boomer generation enters retirement age, employers face a shortage of workers. Many companies are beginning to provide generous benefits to support older employees to fill the gap. These benefits include flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement, and extended paid leave. By providing these benefits, employers can encourage older workers to stay on the job longer.
In addition, these benefits can help to attract and retain talented employees of all ages. As the workforce ages, providing generous gifts to support older employees will become increasingly important.
Promote Inclusive Policies and Practices
Employers can play an essential role in supporting older employees. Several policies and practices can promote an inclusive environment, such as flexible work arrangements, training and development opportunities, and well-designed benefits programs.
By implementing these measures, employers can help ensure that older workers have the same opportunities as their younger counterparts to contribute to the organization and realize their full potential. In addition, employers can help create a supportive workplace culture that values the experience and expertise of older workers. By taking these steps, employers can create an environment supportive of all workers, regardless of age.
Encourage Mentoring
One way to mitigate the aging issue is to encourage mentoring relationships between older and younger employees. Mentoring can help transfer valuable skills and experience while also providing an opportunity for intergenerational connection and collaboration.
In addition, mentoring can be an effective way to support older employees who may be struggling with age-related issues such as declining health or vision. By offering mentoring opportunities, employers can help to ensure that their older workers stay engaged and productive well into their later years.
The aging population is a valuable asset to the workforce. With the proper support from their employers, older employees can maintain their productivity and contribute to the workplace in a meaningful way. By implementing the policies and practices discussed above, employers can create an age-inclusive workplace that values the contributions of all employees.
