Benefits of older workers
This part of Work45+ discusses the benefits older workers can bring to a workplace through:
Older workers can help you overcome business challenges
According to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), “it is not ‘risky’ to give mature age workers more opportunities – it is risky if we don’t!”.1
Older workers tend to have a good work ethic, networks, interests and industry knowledge. They bring work and life experience and skills that add value and support organisations.2
The ACCI1 urges businesses to recognise the ways that older workers can help them overcome challenges associated with:
- a shrinking workforce
- skills shortages
- succession planning
- loss of corporate knowledge.
It also highlights the considerable benefits of tapping into older people’s networks and external interests.1 These may be more developed or extensive than those of younger workers, or they may simply be different. Either way, they can increase your organisation’s reach.
The Australian Government has made a video of a very satisfied employer. Colin Johns, Managing Director of Transformer Services, talks about hiring a mature age employee through the jobactive Restart programme. jobactive provided training to this employee, who Colin says is very loyal, keen and a good trainer for younger staff.
Older workers are productive and loyal
Studies and data quoted by the Australian Government show that, compared to their younger counterparts, older workers are generally:
- more productive
- more loyal
- less prone to absenteeism.3
Older workers care about workplace health and safety
Workers over 45 are no more likely to be injured in the workplace than workers under 45.4
In addition, WorkSafe surveys5 have found respondents aged over 50 are
- the most aware of their responsibilities and how to be safe in their work
- the least likely to take safety shortcuts
- most likely to know about current workplace health and safety matters
- the most likely to report a safety concern or accident
- the most likely to use safety gear when it is provided.
Older workers are keen to learn
It’s a myth that older workers are necessarily uncomfortable with new technology. Some may take slightly longer to pick up new skills, but they are likely to be enthusiastic learners if they:
- can see how the new technology relates to what they already know
- can learn at their own pace
- have plenty of opportunities to practice.5
A recent National Seniors Australia online survey of 5446 participants aged over 50 found:
“…evidence of a digitally literate cohort comfortable using a range of digital technologies on a regular basis. While the issue of a digital divide remains relevant to this population, it is also important to acknowledge that reductionist stereotypes of all older Australians being left behind by technology are not only harmful but also unfounded”.6
Older workers can bring a new perspective
Older workers can sometimes give you a welcome new perspective. The experiences they have built up over many years may give them a fresh insight, with the potential for improved business processes.7
Age diversity is good business
Tasmania has the oldest population of any Australian state or territory. This creates opportunities for businesses and other organisations to better cater for the needs and preferences of mature-age customers and clients. An extensive literature review published by COTA Tasmania in 2017 concluded that customer satisfaction is likely to be better if your workforce represents its community.2
In the video below, Searson Buck’s Wil Wodrow explains some of the advantages of an age-diverse workplace including older workers.