Older staff cherish their place at work: survey

Most older workers find their age a plus in the workplace, according to a survey on Life After 40.

The Victoria University study showed workers over 40 were more likely to see their age as an advantage rather than a disadvantage.

The survey authors said the finding might seem surprising given the widely held assumption that older workers were less productive.

"Previous research has provided substantial evidence, however, that age does not equate with lower productivity," the study said.

"Age generally has little impact on work performance before very late life and age is typically a poor predictor of individual performance."

The most comprehensive reviews of age and job performance had shown no consistent decline in performance with age, and a number of compelling overseas case studies counteracted the assumption that older workers were less productive.

The research report, funded by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, investigated paid work, retirement intentions and superannuation issues in the 40-plus age group. The study found that:

* Older workers were generally positive about their jobs and did not see their age as a disadvantage in their present jobs.

* Older workers, however, reported less access to training and more pessimism about their chances of finding another job.

* Despite downsizing, restructuring and instability, most of those over 40 in paid work trusted their employers, felt valued as employees, looked forward to going to work and did not worry much about their jobs.

* A large proportion of older workers intended to take some paid work after retirement.

- NZPA