Improving the working environment for our ageing workforce

Tuesday 22 January 2008

A study of older workers has found that their motivation to continue to work could be greatly improved if more attention was paid to both the way they are managed and their physical working environments. There are many small steps which could be taken to reduce the physical consequences of manual work, such as redesigning equipment and training workers in its use. The research suggests that scheduling work in a way which respects the capabilities of the older worker may become more important as the workforce ages, rather than depending on informal organisation methods which rely on younger workers helping older workers with more demanding tasks.

Professor Peter Buckle from the University of Surrey, who is the project director, comments: "Our research has enabled us to create a new model which identifies factors important to the ageing workforce. By mapping existing practices to the new model, and by identifying and resolving areas of difference, organisations and managers will be able to maintain and motivate their older workforce."

Work in the construction industry is physically demanding and stressful, often for long hours in hazardous conditions. Another study has investigated the needs and abilities of older workers in the construction industry. This has provided an insight into how the working environment may be improved to accommodate those needs.

One of the most important issues affecting older workers was found to be employment tenure: being directly employed rather than self-employed is associated with a more favourable working environment for the older worker. The research suggested that by easing the physical burden of the work wherever possible and by developing interventions to encourage all workers to follow safe practice, work-related injury and ill-health could be largely prevented in the long-term, allowing older workers to remain in the industry for longer.

Professor Alistair Gibb, the project director said "This research has shown us that older workers want to remain in the construction industry, but although their skills and experience are valued by employers, there is often a trade-off between that and their physical fitness. Unfortunately, in such a competitive industry where workers are generally paid based on what they do rather than hourly, many older workers leave as they can’t keep up. Where cheap labour is readily available, there seems to be very little incentive for firms to bear the costs of making the workplace less hostile for the older worker. In order to make a more favourable, safe environment for older workers in the construction industry, intervention is required both at the industry level, and locally by individual employers."

Professor Peter Lansley, the director of SPARC said "Older workers are the unsung heroes of the British economy and skills base. Yet despite their contribution, few employers and policy makers place enough value on their knowledge and commitment to work, to implement changes to enable them to stay at work. These changes would, in general, be inexpensive and would benefit all workers.

"These two studies highlight the vicious circle of poorly-designed work practices and working environments which can contribute to health-problems and also de-motivate older workers. In spite of these issues though, many older workers enjoy their work and could continue to work, with considerable benefit to themselves, the economy and the public purse, if measures were put in place to enable them to do so."

Media Enquiries

Peter La, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 689191, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk