As one of the most essential and largest workforce segments, it is imperative to consider how best to retain older workers. With an aging population in America, employers need to take a proactive approach when managing this labor force segment. In order to maintain productivity while accommodating differences in physical abilities, employers must recognize these five tips:
Implement Flexible Work Schedules
As our population ages, it’s increasingly essential for businesses to find ways to accommodate older employees. One way to do this is by implementing flexible work schedules.
Flexible work schedules can take many forms, but the common goal is to give employees more control over their time. This might mean allowing employees to choose their hours, work from home, or take advantage of other schedule changes. For older employees, flexible work schedules can be a great way to maintain productivity.
By accommodating their needs, businesses can retain experienced workers and avoid the costs associated with turnover. Moreover, flexible work schedules can have a positive impact on employee morale and engagement.
When workers feel supported, they’re more likely to be productive and satisfied with their jobs. As our workforce ages, flexible work schedules will become increasingly crucial for businesses.
Help With Mobility
As people age, it becomes more difficult for them to move around. This can be a significant problem for employers, as it can lead to a loss in productivity. Fortunately, there are several ways to help older employees maintain their mobility. For example, employers can provide them with ergonomic furniture designed for comfort and ease of use.
Similarly, if your office is multistoried, you can also use an electric stair lift so that the older employees can quickly move around the office as and when required.
They can also make sure that the work environment is well-lit and free of hazards. In addition, employers can offer regular breaks and allow employees to take advantage of flexible work hours. Employers can help their older employees stay productive and healthy by taking these steps.
Encourage Physical Activity
Older adults who are physically active are more likely to be productive employees. They take fewer sick days and can stay on the job longer. They also have better cognitive function and memory. Research has shown that older adults who engage in regular physical activity have a 30% lower risk of cognitive decline.
There are many ways to encourage physical activity among older employees. Employers can provide on-site exercise facilities or subsidies for gym memberships. They can also create walking paths around the workplace or promote employee participation in sports leagues.
Whatever the approach, encouraging older employees to stay active will help them maintain their productivity and contribute to the organization’s success.
Provide Training and Development Opportunities
Older workers are generally more experienced and knowledgeable than their younger counterparts. They also tend to have better attendance records and lower levels of absenteeism. As a result, older workers can play an essential role in maintaining a company’s productivity.
However, older workers may need some extra help to stay sharp. Providing training and development opportunities can help keep them up-to-date on new technologies and processes. As we age, our adaptation capabilities reduce. Hence, employers need to offer the correct guidance and training to the older employees to grasp the new software implemented in the operations quickly.
Similarly, employers should also train their older employees about the growing cybersecurity concerns. As aging impacts our memory, the older might not be able to remember what they need to do to avoid any breaches. Hence, it is vital to offer hands-on training.
In addition, offering flexible work arrangements can allow them to manage their own time and work at their own pace. Companies can ensure that older workers remain productive well into their later years by taking these steps.
Offer Retirement Planning Resources
As people age, it’s natural for their productivity at work to decline. But that doesn’t mean that employers should write off their older employees. Several retirement planning resources can help older workers maintain their productivity and contribute invaluably to the company.
For example, many financial advisors offer services geared explicitly towards retirement planning. This can include helping with budgeting, selecting investment options, and understanding how different types of retirement accounts work.
Employees can also benefit from accessing resources like retirement calculators and online planning tools. By offering these resources to older employees, employers can help them stay productive well into their later years.
By following these tips, employers can help ensure that their older employees are productive and engaged in their jobs. By accommodating the unique needs of this segment of the workforce, businesses can create a positive work environment for all employees.