Aging Workers
It's important to remember and acknowledge intersectionality, as everyone has multiple identities, and experience discrimination and privilege in different ways. Aotearoa’s labour force is increasingly ageing, with older workers making up to a third of labour force.
It's important to remember and acknowledge intersectionality, as everyone has multiple identities, and experience discrimination and privilege in different ways.
Aotearoa’s labour force is increasingly ageing, with older workers making up to a third of labour force.
As the workforce ages, it is important for businesses to retain or hire older workers to guarantee their precious knowledge, experience and skills are utilised as much as possible and passed on to the next generation of workers.
Employing and retaining ageing workers also brings a healthy balance to the workspace, as workers of different age groups provide different outlooks and ideas.
It’s also good to remember that ageing workers tend to stick around jobs for longer and to be more loyal and reliable. Job stability and low job turnover are linked to improved productivity.
Ageing Workers in the workplace
Key Statistics
36.7% of workers in 2023 were aged 45-64.
7% of workers in 2023 were aged 65+.
81% of employers stated older workers are equally, or more, productive than younger worker.
• 81% of older workers prefer a challenging and rewarding role instead of an easy transition into retirement
• Only 10% of older workers have no financial need for work.
Common workplace barriers
Higher risks of discrimination, bullying and harassment.
Poor health or limited physical mobility.
Losing their job as believed unable to meet targets.
Low pay.
Struggle with newer technologies.
Steps to include Ageing Workers in your workplace
Practical strategies
Offer flexible working arrangements (i.e. part-time work)
Plan the distribution of tasks across your team in way that ensures your ageing workers feel useful and confident in the workspace.
Create a culture that acknowledges and accepts the contributions of people of all ages.
Train and upskill older workers so they can utilise their experience and knowledge in modern ways.
Workplace policies
Zero-tolerance bullying and harassment policies.
Health & Safety policies that meet the needs of mature workers.
Fair pay structure.
How to write job ads for this group
Avoid personal characteristics, like age.
Use age-inclusive language and avoid words that target only younger audiences.
State job requirements clearly, stating length of shifts and tasks that require physical labour.
Publicize your ad on local newspapers and with flyers or posters, as not everyone is familiar with technology.
Highlight company’s policy on diversity.
Resources
Older Worker Employment Toolkit — business.govt.nz