There is a rising number of older workers within the workplace, with statistics from CIPD revealing that workers over 50 made up over 30% of the workforce in 2020-21, compared with only 21% in the 1990s. There are many reasons for this. Workplaces are more diverse these days, and older workers feel less uncomfortable about staying on longer when they feel fit and able to. The cost of living also makes it more challenging for workers to leave earlier than retirement age. However, workers over 50 are still finding it more challenging to gain new employment; as a result of discrimination or bias. These are some reasons why you should consider hiring older workers.
Experience
Older workers can bring a wealth of experience to the job, which would take years to develop in younger workers. Companies that can think outside the box when recruiting, even hiring workers aged 60+, will reap the rewards. A diverse workforce can offer a wide range of ideas and opinions.
Reliability
You will generally find that older workers will have more stability. They may have a settled family and no desire to change careers or travel. They can be more reliable for this reason. Younger workers may be looking to start a family, travel, or may decide that they want to change direction. That is not to say that you shouldn’t hire younger workers, but have a good mix of ages within your workplace.
Commitment
Older workers are likely to be more committed to the job, as they won’t want to keep job hopping. With only one in ten workers staying in a job for more than a year; an investment in older workers may give your business more stability.
Calm Attitude
Older workers have more life experience, so they are likely to have a calmer demeanour, making them less volatile in the workplace. They may also be able to influence and mentor the younger workers, making for a more positive workplace culture.
Productivity
It is thought that businesses with mixed ages are more productive than those that are less diverse, which is why diversity is such an important topic. Greater productivity means more success for a business.
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