Let’s Talk Silver
Published in Tucson, AR.
We have an aging population, and there are a number of challenges that come with this.
A frequently overlooked demographic, the silver workers, emerges. These individuals, aged 50 and above within organizations, demand acknowledgment amid the HROD’s fervent pursuit of fresh talents, often sidelining their seasoned counterparts.
Never Giving Up
Despite possessing extensive experience and dedication, silver workers are often fast-tracked for retirement. Scarce pre-retirement courses and corporate learning opportunities leaving them feeling undervalued. The desire to continue working post-retirement is widespread among silver workers, driven by financial concerns (sine many do not have pensions), the pursuit of fulfillment, social engagement, and a genuine willingness to contribute further.
The relevance of this demographic is underscored by three key factors: rising population, healthcare, and technology. Population data from the Philippine Statistics Authority reveals a significant increase in the percentage of seniors aged 60 and above, indicating a demographic shift. Improved healthcare systems contribute to longer working lives, while technological advancements in regenerative HR, hybrid work, and the gig economy present opportunities for silver workers.
Proactively maintaining or hiring silver workers can address various organizational challenges and yield numerous benefits. These include addressing labor shortages in specialized areas, retaining crucial institutional knowledge for training and continuity, promoting diversity and inclusion, enhancing overall productivity, reducing turnover costs, positively influencing morale and culture, and fostering intergenerational collaboration.
Learning from Others
Drawing insights from successful models in countries like Japan, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Singapore provides valuable strategies for addressing the challenges of an aging workforce. Initiatives ranging from tax breaks and subsidies to age discrimination prevention laws showcase diverse global approaches to supporting and integrating silver workers.
Preventive measures encompassing improved work conditions, ergonomic designs, and technological advancements like exoskeletons and robotics can contribute to the well-being of silver workers. Fostering cross-generational collaboration through mentorship programs capitalizes on technology disruptions, creating a learn-and-mentor culture benefiting both younger and older employees.
Some HROD Initiatives
OD initiatives likewise play a pivotal role in adapting workplaces to an aging society. Recognizing the unique strengths of silver workers, such as extensive experience compensating for slower information processing, underscores the need for age-appropriate work designs and ergonomic considerations.
The significance of a learn-and-mentor world emerges, where technology facilitates collaboration between generations. Younger colleagues assisting older counterparts in navigating digital and AI technologies fosters mutual understanding. In return, silver workers contribute soft skills such as resilience, continuous learning, and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics, enriching organizational learning.
HR’s job interviews hold a pivotal role in ensuring fairness for silver worker candidates. Avoiding inappropriate questions and maintaining open conversations contribute to a transparent understanding of expectations on both sides. Recognizing and prioritizing factors such as healthcare and flexible working hours become essential in creating an inclusive hiring environment for silver workers.
Strategic foresight in recognizing the challenges of an aging workforce positions organizations for future success. Seeking external expertise to create an optimal working environment for all employees ensures a competitive advantage and sets the stage for a cohesive and productive workforce.
In conclusion, embracing and leveraging the valuable contributions of silver workers allows organizations to foster inclusivity, enhance productivity, and ensure the sustainability of their workforce. Recognizing the importance of this demographic not only aligns with ethical employment practices but also contributes to the overall success and resilience of organizations in an ever-evolving professional landscape.
As always, thank you for reading.
Prof. dr. Koen DePryck gives a lecture on how to bring senior citizens back to school, and its implications for education and the work-field. How Silver Workers can be Silver Learners