Older workers could ease Singapore's labour crunch: report

96% think there are benefits of working with colleagues aged 55 years and up.

Mature workers offer immense employment potential and should not be overlooked as a valuable talent resource, with nearly all or 96% of Singapore-based respondents agreeing that there are benefits of working with colleagues aged 55 years and up, according to PERSOLKELLY’s 2019 Q1 APAC Workforce Insights report.

Data from the Department of Statistics (SingStat) showed that there is an estimated 1.12 billion people aged 55 and over in Singapore. 

The report, which analysed more than 7,000 responses for hiring managers and candidates across APAC, found that mature workers are most valued for their experience (73%), knowledge about the industry and day-to-day work (59%), and good mentorship skills (50%). With these benefits, mature workers should work for as long as they are able, said two-thirds of respondents.

“These findings align with the Singapore government’s focus on mature employees at Budget 2019,” Foo See Yang, managing director and country head of Singapore at Kelly Services, said in a statement. “As the population ages, we must look to better safeguard the labour potential of our older workers to maximise their potential.

However, the report noted that Singapore has yet to fully leverage its mature workforce. Less than half of respondents or 42% agreed that companies in Singapore have the right facilities to accommodate older employees, including age-friendly workplace features or practices such as handrails and lights along travel routes and avoiding the use of age as a selection criterion when recruiting candidates. Additionally, only one-third of respondents agreed that companies have a culture that encourages or promotes hiring people older than 55 years of age.

There also remain perceptual challenges, with half of respondents or 51% agreeing that their older colleagues tend to be more close-minded and stubborn, and less adaptable to changes (43%).

“Unlocking the potential of our mature workforce will require effort from all parties,” Foo highlighted. “Older workers must proactively seek to combine their years of industry experience with an understanding of new technological tools; companies must provide employees with sufficient learning opportunities to become proficient with these technologies.”

Aside from mature workers, PERSOLKELLY’s APAC Workforce Insights found that other groups, such as people with disabilities or special needs and returning mothers, continue to have a role to play in Singapore’s future workforce.

Nearly four in five respondents or 79% agree that there is value in employing people with disabilities or special needs, as people with disabilities or special needs are most valued for having a more responsible attitude (35%).

Another group of potentially vital contributors to the workforce are mothers who quit their jobs after giving birth. Respondents say more support can be given to welcome them back – only 60% agree that returning mothers are given adequate support and benefits during the first few months after having children. 

“Mature workers, people with disabilities or special needs, and returning mothers are ready talent that companies may be overlooking,”Foo added. “Amidst today’s labour crunch, businesses must remain open to the opportunities of a more inclusive workforce.”