Working With Older Workers
When it comes to retaining older workers, they tend to want the same
things from work as younger workers: pay, fair treatment, job
security, freedom from harassment or discrimination, communication,
etc.
[Gillian Considine, Senior Researcher, University of Sydney, "What do Older Workers think about Work?", a paper given at the ACIRRT Workshop on Mature Age Workers, 18 November 2004.]
[Gillian Considine, Senior Researcher, University of Sydney, "What do Older Workers think about Work?", a paper given at the ACIRRT Workshop on Mature Age Workers, 18 November 2004.]
The following are important points to note in retaining workers:
They value:
- Feeling like they're doing something worthwhile
- Making a difference in peoples' lives
- Variety of work
- Opportunity to be creative
- Positive work relationships
- Fair treatment
What does all this mean for you as an employer seeking to retain older workers?
- Don't assume older workers can't or won't change. They welcome a challenge!
- Older workers are likely to welcome the opportunity to receive additional training (not just accredited training, also IT training, etc)
- Recognition of effort. Don't assume that because they have worked for you for a while, they know you appreciate them.
Positive feedback is particularly important. It lets people know that they're doing what you want, how you want. With positive feedback your employees can continue working as you would wish.
Click on Workforce Planning Checklist
to
prompt you to think about your business needs
