A MATTER OF ATTITUDE
Research shows many businesses would choose to recruit older staff
MANY BRITISH business owners would choose to recruit an older worker instead of a younger candidate with the same skills and experience, according to new research.
More than a third of 1,000 SME business owners (36 per cent) said that they would sooner recruit a 55-year-old, with just a fifth preferring a 24-year-old with the same CV (20 per cent).
Issues raised by business leaders about so-called ‘snowflake’ and ‘Millennial’ employees included ‘lower productivity’, ‘higher absence rates’ and ‘a poor grasp of the English language’, according to data gathered by York-based Benenden Health.
The study, which also surveyed 1,000 employees, found that more than half (56 per cent) of Generation Z employees (aged 16-23) felt they have been overlooked for roles due to their age compared to 47 per cent of Millennials (aged 24-38), 29 per cent of Generation X (aged 39-54) and a third (34 per cent) of Baby Boomers (aged 55-72).
Helen Smith, chief commercial officer of Benenden Health, commented: “Our research has highlighted some interesting differences between the attitudes of employers and employees when it comes to identifying what makes a business attractive.
“Healthcare is becoming increasingly valued by workers – often more so than other benefits and even salary – indicating that businesses should move away from a one-size-fitsall healthcare offering and think about tailoring a plan to meet the varied needs of a modern workforce.”
“Younger generations told us that mental health support is of great importance to them, but these priorities change over time. Generation X workers often have the dual commitment of looking after children and parents so flexible working is valued by them.”