There are also many myths about older workers that need to be challenged – here are a few with some fascinating facts:
Myth: Some believe that older workers are more likely to be off sick
Fact: Older workers are half as likely to take a sick day compared to their younger counterparts. Only a quarter of over 50’s took time off in 2014 due to ill-health compared to just under half of those aged 20-30
Myth: Older workers aren’t up to date with technology
Fact: Cisco research found no great correlation between age and confidence using technology – even less so for technology at work
Fact: In the digital sector, 70% of start-ups founded by older workers lasted longer than three years, compared to only 28% of those created by younger entrepreneurs
Myth: Older workers cruise along and are not really interested in their career
Fact: 91% of older workers surveyed still wish to progress in their careers
Myth: There is no business benefit in training older workers
Fact: Organisations that provide a higher level of training to older workers retain their staff until a much later age, thereby reducing turnover costs.
Fact: Training spend for over the 50s is 50% less than for younger workers
