Employers ‘missing a trick’

It is in employers’ interests to help older workers stay in their jobs for as long as possible by offering them greater flexibility, according to evidence given by the HR professionals’ body, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) last month.

The CIPD was giving evidence to the House of Lords’ Public Service and Demographic Change Select Committee.

The discussion on older workers heard that more than half (56%)of those aged over 55 plan to remain in work beyond state retirement age.

Dianah Worman, CIPD diversity adviser, told the committee that CIPD research shows that older workers are increasingly looking to extend their working lives, and by 2020 it is predicted that 36% of the working population will be aged over 50.

She said that this meant that those businesses that are proactive in addressing the challenges of an ageing workforce will benefit.

“The business case for older workers is strong and research shows their impact and experience within the organisation enables better customer service, enhanced knowledge retention and can help to address talent and skills shortages,” she said.

She said that, despite this, CIPD research found that more than three-quarters of older workers (76%) reported that their employers had not made any reasonable adjustments to help them carry on working.

“Many employers are missing a trick and losing key talent from their organisations by failing to offer flexibility in the workplace,” she added.