Implications of an Aging Population in the Workplace
Overview of the Study
A recent study in the United States examines the implications of an aging workforce. It highlights the benefits, safety issues, and discriminatory attitudes faced by older adults who choose to work full-time well beyond traditional retirement age. The demographic of older adults has expanded globally over the past decade, with many individuals opting to delay retirement. According to the Department of Labor, approximately 12.5% (9 million) of older adults in the U.S. are engaged in full-time work. As the global population ages, it is essential for society to adapt to this evolving workforce landscape.
Study Findings
Published in *Workplace Health & Safety*, the study reviews the effects of older adults remaining in full-time positions in the coming years. It underscores the advantages of retaining older employees, potential health risks associated with aging workers, and the prevalence of ageism, which poses significant barriers to sustained employment for this demographic.
Benefits of Older Adults in the Workplace
Resourcefulness and Expertise
Organizations that retain older workers benefit from their extensive experience and knowledge. These seasoned professionals are capable of providing expert insights and training for new employees. Additionally, they can assist human resources in developing hiring strategies that align with the organization’s values.
Workplace Performance
Older adult workers demonstrate higher levels of emotional regulation, work motivation, and job satisfaction compared to their younger counterparts. They are also less likely to engage in counterproductive behaviors such as tardiness, absenteeism, and aggression.
Challenges in the Workplace
Health Concerns
Despite their advantages, older adults encounter significant challenges in the workplace, particularly as the prevalence of multimorbidities and workplace injuries increases. Multimorbidities refer to the coexistence of multiple chronic conditions, such as depression, hypertension, and diabetes, which can impair workplace performance.
Injury Risks
Age-related physical decline raises the likelihood of workplace injuries, with older adults facing longer recovery times than younger workers. For instance, an older individual who falls is more susceptible to severe injuries, including fractures. The fatal injury rate among older workers is notably higher, with approximately nine fatalities per 100,000 workers, compared to three per 100,000 across all age groups.
Ageist Attitudes
Discrimination in the Workplace
Ageist attitudes contribute to discrimination against older adults in the workforce. Ageism encompasses negative beliefs and stereotypes directed at individuals based on their age. In response, the U.S. Congress enacted the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), which protects individuals over 40 from discrimination in hiring, performance evaluations, promotions, and layoffs based on age. This legislation acknowledges the changing demographics of the workforce and aims to safeguard the rights of older employees.
Need for Accommodation in the Workforce
Adapting to a Changing Workforce
The findings of this study emphasize the necessity for society to accommodate older adults in the workforce in the years to come. Employers and organizations must recognize the increasing age of the workforce and appreciate the benefits of retaining older employees. Additionally, it is crucial for employers to be aware of the safety concerns associated with older workers and to address discriminatory practices in the workplace.
Creating a Safer Work Environment
Healthcare organizations, policymakers, and government officials can leverage this research to foster safe work environments that meet the physical, psychological, and environmental needs of all employees, including older adults.
Written by
Jennifer Kaitlyn Chiu, BA (Hons)
Reference
White, M. S., Burns, C., & Conlon, H. A. (2018). The Impact of an Aging Population in the Workplace. *Workplace Health and Safety*. DOI: 10.1177/2165079917752191.