Keep pace with older workers

Citation

(2008), "Keep pace with older workers", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 16 No. 7. https://doi.org/10.1108/hrmid.2008.04416gad.003

Keep pace with older workers

Article Type: Abstracts From: Human Resource Management International Digest, Volume 16, Issue 7

Grossman R.J. HR Magazine (USA), May 2008, Vol. 53 No. 5, Start page: 39, No. of pages: 8

Purpose – highlights evidence that older workers can be as productive, if not more productive, than younger workers and discusses how to get the most from them. Design/methodology/approach – quotes the experience of US companies, such as Borders, the retailer, to show the value that older workers offer to their employer. Cites statistics that indicate that older workers currently only make up a small proportion of the US labour force but underlines that their numbers are still significant. Quotes US experts on the physical and other challenges that older workers face and how these can be overcome. Also discusses how training and feedback can be targeted to the needs of older workers. An inset challenges some of the myths about older workers and their capabilities. Findings – stresses that older worker offer valuable skills and experience to their employers. Urges employers to make simple adaptations to procedures and practices to enable older workers to remain in the workforce, arguing that this is to everybody’s benefit. Practical implications – advises on the adaptations that can be made. Originality/value – makes the case for employing older people. ISSN: 1047-3149 Reference: 37AM450

Keywords: Older employees, Productivity, Human resource management, Training, United States of America