Four ways the HR department can support older employees

As health care improves, the retirement age is extended, there is a shortage of workers on the job market and older people are increasingly able to cope with modern technologies, senior employees are seen more and more at workplaces together with younger colleagues. And because it is in the interest of the company to accommodate such older employees as much as possible, here are four ways in which the HR department might support them.

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Interconnection of generations

As HR Director states, it is advantageous for a company to connect employees of different generations at the workplace. So support mentoring, assign projects to groups that consist of employees of different ages, and make use of the fact that older people generally have more experience while, on the other hand, representatives of the younger generation are full of zeal, innovation and originality. Let these two groups learn from each other.

Flexibility

Older people more often have to face certain troubles that the younger generation need not even think about. In addition to various health problems, this also includes more frequent fatigue, trouble with commuting or shifted priorities compared to younger employees. You can ease such problems for the older employees by offering them flexibility, both in terms of time and location.

Training and education

Do not forget about your older employees when it comes to training and education. Employers often aim training at young, perspective and ambitious employees but it can also be very worthwhile for older employees, given their experience. Moreover, training can help senior employees with common work problems involving new technologies.

Listening to experience

Generally, you need to show respect to old employees by taking their opinions into consideration and listening to their experience. To fulfil their potential, they must be sufficiently confident and know they are being listened to. This is why you should neither overlook nor sideline them in comparison to their younger colleagues.

 

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Article source HR DIRECTOR - British website for HR directors and senior HR managers
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