Keys to managing an aging
workforce
In an effort to get in touch with the older demographic, automaker Nissan
has been using “aging” suits for over ten years to simulate
the experience of getting in and out of cars as well as driving them. Casts
simulate arthritic pain, a raised front-toe design mimics balance difficulties,
belts add 2 to 10 inches to the waistline, and cataract goggles show designers
what it is like to drive with failing eyesight.
While manufacturers have recognized the need to accommodate the older consumer,
employers are often slow to acknowledge the importance of adapting jobs
to the changing physical capabilities of older workers. Gregory Petty, professor
of health and safety programs for the University of Tennessee conducts extensive
research on the aging workforce and acknowledges that employers may need
to be more proactive with older workers, but the effort is worthwhile for
this experienced, hardworking population.
While older workers have fewer injuries, they have the highest rates of
falls, fractures and incidents that cause injury to multiple body parts,
according to BLS statistics. They also have higher fatal injury rates, according
to the National Safety Council.
Although physical limitations of older workers may be partly to blame, Petty
cites a failure in many workplace safety programs to reach older workers
effectively. There is a tendency to have one-size fits all strategy that
does not fit the needs of the older worker.
There are specific things an organization can do to improve the safety,
health and productivity of the older workforce. The following checklist
was published in the July 2008 edition of the National Safety Council’s
Safety + Health:
Checklist: Adapting to an aging workforce
VISION: |
HEARING: |
Older
workers may have more problems focusing on small text or fine detail,
adapting to darkness, seeing in areas without good lighting, distinguishing
between close color variations, and dealing with glare.
Screen for vision to detect problems and prevent existing problems
from getting worse.
Provide adequate levels of light. Adjustable but consistent lighting
throughout the workplace will help improve vision for older workers.
Provide magnification tools. Most computers are now equipped with
magnification tools to make screen text more readable. |
Between
25 percent and 40 percent of adults older than 65, and 40 percent
to 66 percent of adults older than 75, have some degree of hearing
loss.
Screen employees for hearing loss and require the use of hearing aids
when necessary.
Minimize exposure to loud noise, and educate employees on the effects
of noise and on the importance of wearing hearing protection.
Minimize background noise to help improve both hearing and comprehension
in older workers. |
COGNITIVE ABILITY: |
MOVEMENT CONTROL: |
Older
workers may sacrifice speed for accuracy in decision-making.
Minimize tasks requiring quick decisions. Older workers process information
more slowly than younger workers.
Reduce distractions and simultaneous demands. Older workers perform
better to a single stimulus and response scenario than they do to
tasks requiring quick analysis of information from multiple sources.
Allow sufficient time for older workers to analyze information and
form decisions. |
Reaction
time for older workers is slower than for younger adults, and the
difference becomes greater as the task grows more complex.
Minimize tasks requiring quick reactions.
Allow additional time to perform tasks.
Consider good ergonomic design that takes into account the limitations
of the older worker. |
MENTAL HEALTH/STRESS: |
Older
adults may face a number of risk factors—including illness,
disability, medications, grief, and fear of death and institutionalization—that
can lead to depression.
Screen for physical problems. Screening and disease management can
help older workers understand how to better deal with these stressful
conditions and provide a better sense of self-control.
Modify the workplace. A willingness to modify the workplace for the
older worker can help reassure older workers that they are valued.
Train managers to identify the symptoms of depression among older
workers. |
Adapted from “Safety and Health Implications of an Aging Workforce,”
by Glenn D. Daviet |