Meeting the Challenges of an Ageing Workforce
As the global population ages, the workforce is increasingly composed of older workers. This demographic shift presents unique challenges and opportunities for businesses, economies, and societies. To navigate these changes effectively, it is essential to understand the specific issues that arise from an aging workforce and how funders can support solutions.
Challenges for an Ageing Workforce
Age Discrimination
Ageism in the workplace remains a significant issue, with older workers often facing bias in hiring, promotions, and professional development opportunities. Employers have unfounded beliefs that older candidates adapt and learn less quickly – even though our research shows that they believe the vast majority of their existing midcareer and older workers learn as fast if not faster than younger counterparts.
Technological Adaptation
The rapid pace of technological advancement can create a skills gap for workers. Additionally, our research shows that midcareer and older workers have a tendency to undervalue training in favor of work experience; only 38% of those over age 45 have participated in training in the past three years. This gap can reduce their employability in tech-driven industries.
Workplace Flexibility
Older workers often value flexible working arrangements, such as part-time work or telecommuting, to balance work with other life responsibilities. However, many workplaces are not structured to accommodate these needs, leading to potential conflicts and reduced job satisfaction.
Solutions for an Older Global Workforce
Funders play a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by an aging workforce. By supporting organizations like Generation, they can contribute to the development and implementation of effective solutions.
Investing in Training and Skill Development
Funders can provide financial support for training programs that focus on upskilling and reskilling older workers. These programs can help bridge the skills gap and enable older employees to stay competitive in the job market. Generation offers training and support through employment programs that can equip midcareer and older workers with relevant skills and boost their employability.
Advocating for Anti-Discrimination Policies
Funders can champion policies and practices that combat age discrimination in the workplace. By promoting diversity and inclusion, they can help create an environment where older workers are valued and respected. Supporting advocacy groups and initiatives that raise awareness about ageism can also drive meaningful change.
Encouraging Workplace Flexibility
Investing in initiatives that promote flexible working arrangements can benefit both older workers and employers. Funders can support pilot programs and research projects that explore the effectiveness of flexible work options. By demonstrating the benefits of these arrangements, they can encourage more businesses to adopt flexible practices.
Generation’s Role in Supporting Older and Midcareer Professionals
Generation is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming education-to-employment systems. By focusing on practical training and job placement, Generation addresses unemployment and helps individuals build sustainable careers.
Tailored Training Through Employment Programmes
Generation offers employment programs that can provide valuable support for learners, including older and midcareer professionals. These programs focus on industry-relevant skills and provide hands-on experience to ensure participants are job-ready. By tailoring the training to the needs of specific roles, Generation helps midcareer job seekers overcome the skills gap and increase their employability.
Job Placement and Support
Generation goes beyond training by offering job placement services and ongoing support. We work closely with employers to match trained candidates with suitable job opportunities. This comprehensive approach ensures that older workers not only gain the necessary skills but also secure meaningful employment.
Building Confidence and Community
We understand the importance of building confidence and a sense of community among older workers. Our programs include mentorship and support through alumni networks, helping participants navigate their career transitions and build lasting professional networks. This supportive environment fosters resilience and encourages continuous learning.
Meeting the challenges of an aging workforce requires a multifaceted approach that addresses skills, discrimination, financial security, and workplace flexibility. Funders have a critical role to play in supporting initiatives that tackle these issues and promote the well-being and productivity of older workers. By investing in organizations like Generation, funders can help create sustainable solutions that benefit individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. Learn more about supporting our work today.
At Generation, we’re making a life-changing career available to anyone, anywhere. Explore our employment programs to see the professions we support, or donate today to help us create career opportunities for our learners!