Aging in the Workplace
With Baby Boomers moving into their 60s, issues surrounding aging in the workplace need to be addressed. Baby Boomers are those people born between 1946 and 1964, and their numbers are staggering. Today, in the United States alone, they number more than 75 million people.
No Early Retirement
A growing number of people expect to be in the workforce longer than in previous generations. There are a number of reasons for this phenomenon:
- Financial need
- Failure of private pension plans
- Companies don't always continue health benefits after retirement
More Will Be Aging in the Workplace
Some seniors continue working past the age of 65 simply because they like working. A recent survey conducted in Britain found that a number of respondents planned to keep on working because they had concerns about becoming bored if they retired. Over 20 percent of those surveyed stated that pursuing volunteer work will also be part of their plans. Not only does helping others make someone feel good about themselves, it provides an opportunity to get out of one's home and interact with others.
Protection from Workplace Age Discrimination
Workers over the age of 40 are protected from discrimination on the basis of age by the provisions of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967. This legislation applies to employers with 20 or more employees.
Generally speaking, these employers are prohibited from including a preferred age in job ads. Only if a certain age limitation can be shown as a bona fide occupational qualification can be included in an employment listing. This is a very unusual occurrence, however.
Another piece of legislation that refers to aging in the workplace is the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990. Under this law, employers are barred from denying benefits to older workers. In certain cases, the employer can reduce the level of benefits offered to more senior workers to keep the cost in line with benefits provided to younger workers.
Health Matters
As a person ages, they will likely experience some changes in their body. Both employers and employees need to be aware of these changes, since they have the potential to effect safety.
Balance
Hearing loss and inner ear problems are more likely to occur in older workers. Both of these conditions can lead to difficulties with balance. There may be a relationship between challenges with balance and slip-and-fall injuries.
To lessen the chance of that, employees should invest in footwear with non-slip soles and avoid walking across highly-polished flooring surfaces. The employer should take necessary steps to keep the work area neat and free from obstructions.
Vision
It is not uncommon for a person's vision to change as he or she ages. Prescription glasses may be required. Employers can help all workers by reminding them to get an eye checkup as part of their health care routine. Signs in the workplace should be placed in well-lit locations and be easy to read.
Mental Abilities
Mental abilities do decline with time, but not significantly until a person is in his or her 80s. Even with this reduction in abilities, older workers can accomplish the same tasks as their younger counterparts; they just may need a bit more time to do it.
Consider certain positions such as office management and customer service areas where an older senior can make valuable workplace contributions.
In Summary
Aging in the workplace does not have to be a negative experience for employers or co-workers. Mature adults bring a wealth of knowledge to the workplace. A savvy employer will look for opportunities to allow older workers to act as mentors to more junior staff members.
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