Creating a healthy and safe workplace will support the health, safety, and wellbeing of workers of all ages. Managing an ageing workforce is becoming an important consideration for all Australian workplaces.
Ageing is not new, but longevity is. There is now an increased need for people to work for a longer period. Managing the health, safety and wellbeing of an ageing workforce is an opportunity to develop productive workplaces for people of all ages. As workers are staying in the workplace longer their ability and confidence to perform certain tasks may change.
Older workers have advantages in that they can bring experience and knowledge that can be used for efficient problem solving. Evidence suggests that older workers are better at regulating their emotions and coping with stress.
To help create appropriate workplaces for the ageing work force, workplaces could look at the following:
- Focus less on production and more on quality of work. This could include providing opportunities to mentor
- Create a culture that recognises all workers
- Ensure safe systems of work are in place by using principles of good work design
This may be to review shift times and hours of work, provide opportunity for self-pacing, give opportunity to produce quality work and be responsible for outcomes.
- Establish open communication between workers, supervisors, health and safety managers and HR personnel.
- Consider upskilling and retraining, flexible work conditions, financial fitness programs, offering options for early transition into retirement
- Perform risks assessments of workplace hazards.
- Offer modified work options for workers with changes in capacity and ability
Source: WorkSafe QLD
Title: Supporting an ageing workforce
Read time: 10+ minutes
Source: Human Rights
Title: Employing & retaining older workers (2021)
Read time: 10+ minutes