When it comes to engagement, here’s one group of workers employers will want to focus special attention on.
The demographic: workers age 55 and up.
That’s because a report by the Sloan Center on Aging & Work at Boston College found that from 2008 to 2018:
- Labor force participation by workers age 55 and older is expected shoot up 43%, and
- Participation by staffers between the ages of 16 to 24 will actually decrease.
So what do these employees really want?
As it turns out, Boomers have one major thing in common with their younger peers: the need for greater flexibility in their schedules.
After spending decades under a rigid 9 to 5 schedule, many older employees are looking for a gradual transition into retirement.
To help, employers should consider targeting the following three options to the 55-plus demographic:
1. Consider offering part-time or job-share positions
2. Ramp up cross-training (teach employees new skills so they can work part-time in a number of different areas), and
3. Give more leeway with scheduling (workers shouldn’t have to fret about ducking out for a mid-day doctor’s appointment).