WORK STILL REWARDING
Retirement is the last thing on the minds of many people, writes Melanie Burgess
WORKERS are working for longer, with many ignoring “retirement age” and reaping the emotional and social rewards of employment.
Although the age pension becomes available at 65, when typically many workers retire from the workforce, the Australian Bureau of Stat- istics reveals there are about 566,000 people aged 65 and older in work, up from 393,000 five years earlier.
Social analyst David Chalke says Australians are remaining healthier for longer so many do not want to retire as soon as they reach retirement age.
“You are still healthy and fit and probably still enjoy work,” he says.
“You might transition out of what you were doing before but look for more casual work.”
He gives the examples of a former tradesperson now working at Bunnings, or a former businessperson turning their hobby into a start-up.
“We seem to forget that people enjoy work as they get socialisation and emotional rewards,” he says.
“They get the companionship and fellowship with their co-workers.”
Chalke says employers are increasingly recognising the value older workers bring to a business, particularly when it comes to soft skills.
“The old-fashioned courtesies which the Millennials tend not to have are quite appreciated in front-of-house areas,” he says.
“(The advertising sector) is full of all these bright young things but when you are fronting up to meet the managing director of Telstra (for example) you need someone who is not in tight black jeans and with excessive body piercings.
“(Older workers) have some skills that have been lost but are quite useful, especially in the blue collar areas.
“They have a levelling effect in an organisation and bring a bit of balance.” More than half of aged care provider ACH Group’s workforce is more than 45 years of age and 22 workers are older than 70.
People and culture general manager Nichole Tierney says older workers have an important contribution to make to the workforce.
“Older workers bring a wealth of experience and knowledge,” she says.
“Working can provide financial security that is sorely needed, especially for older women who have taken time out from the workforce to raise a family. Being part of a workforce contributes to overall health, wellbeing and gives us a sense of purpose and belonging.”