On the day when Harriet Harman has called for the right for over 65’s to carry on working, how would businesses adapt to accomodate an older workforce, or would they even need to?
Introducing the right for those in their 60’s, 70’s and 80’s to be able to carry on working, and to also benefit from the same right to ask for part-time hours as parents with young children can do already, how will businesses find ways to ensure the personal safety and productivity of such employees?
Let’s take for example someone who is in their mid 70’s. At some point over the next 10/15 years it is likely that one of any number of obstacles could arise that would stop them from getting to work or performing their job properly (taking for an example an office job require telephone and computer work):
1. Unfit to drive - How will they get to work? Will public transport get them there on time?
2. Poorer eyesight - Working on a computer all day this could lead to slower output, or missing vital information.
3. Poorer hearing – Will they find it hard to hear people on the end of a telephone in a busy office?
4. Health and safety - There is an increased likelihood of an accident or illness occuring at work, therefore requiring better medical first aid at work?
5. Technology barriers - Will they be able to pick up new technology and systems quickly enough in a fast paced business?
6. Insurance – Will a business need extra insurance to cover employing older staff and the vulnerabilities that it brings?
Surely the answer to accommodating those people who are fit to work and are over a certain age is to provide flexible working. Not just flexible hours, but flexible ways of working. If they do not have to commute to an office but can perform their job at home this would go a long way to solving some of these issues: No need to drive or take public transport, they can be comfortable in their own environment, they are able to concentrate and work in a quiet environment, they could have specialist equipment such as larger monitors, keyboards etc. without the embarrasment in front of younger colleagues.
I must admit, my mother-in-law has hit 65 and is on ‘the other side’ with no intention of retiring as an Eexcutive PA until at least 70. She is young at heart and as far as I know has no reason not to carry on, as long as her employer is willing!
This will become much more of a reality as fewer people of the older generations have savings and investments to carry them through retirement. Businesses must adapt. Are you adapting as a business? What do you think of employing older staff? let me know your thoughts….
Tags: Harriet Harman forced retirement businesses adapt, scrap forced retirement businesses adapt
