Across the ages: the value of intergenerational working

As a species Homosapiens....that’s ‘us’ are living longer, during the period May to July 2016 there were 742,000 men and 448,000 women aged 65 or over in employment in the UK.  Furthermore it is forecast that the UK economy may come to rely increasingly on older workers as soon as 2039.

We need to open our minds to the benefits of older workers in the workplace as opposed to stereo-typing them as blocking progress for younger generations. As each of us grows older we change, take time to reflect on your younger self and like me you will recognise a decrease in physical capabilities. You may have to take a little longer to get to grips with a new software package...but what about the positive attributes!

Intergenerational living has been a matter of tradition in many cultures around the world, in Japan 40% of older people live with their adult offspring, 17% with their grandchildren.  In the UK intergenerational living has been suggested as ‘one relatively untapped for resolving housing issues’. From my experience this blending of generations, provides a mutually supportive network, a mix of skills and talents which enables all to thrive, there might be the odd argument about who used the last slice of bread or who was supposed to fill the dishwasher... but translate this cross generational connection to the workplace and we can all benefit

Successful intergenerational working will be underpinned by OHS and HR practitioners within each organisation working as a team. Recognising the attributes of each generation, keeping people engaged and adapting the workplace to reflect the needs of the workers.

Some next steps for you from these few words...take the WHO Ageing Attitudes Quiz, and apply the learning in your team. Engage with the EUOSHA Healthy Workplaces for All Ages campaign...and share your success through #Helping GBworkwell