Older workers seek flexible hours in the workplace

Flexible working hours and more part-time positions are the key to retaining older workers, a survey has shown.

The Equal Employment Opportunities trust ran the online Work and Age Survey to explore what people want from work as they get older and what workplace conditions would encourage them to stay in paid work longer.

Trust chief executive Philippa Reed said changing demographics and the continuing skills shortage meant employers needed to sharpen up on the employment of older people.

"As well as ensuring they attract young people entering the workforce, employers need to explore what incentives, training and other workplace initiatives would encourage older people to continue to make an effective contribution at work," she said.

"More than 6400 people responded to our survey, signalling that New Zealanders of all ages are acutely concerned about their jobs and futures as they age. Most respondents were over 45 years old but 24 per cent were younger than 45."

The survey asked people what workplace conditions would encourage them to continue working past their expected retirement date.

Quality part-time work and flexible working hours were the most popular options.

Reliability is the number one quality older people bring to the workplaces, according to survey respondents.

Dr Reed said most respondents also agreed that older people provided good customer service and communication skills, were committed to their careers, had skills in training people, showed initiative and were able to create a good atmosphere in the workplace.

- NZPA