Aging in the Workplace

HUMAN RESOURSE MANAGEMENT DISPOSITION PAPER LONNAI MERICA AGING IN THE WORKPLACE There is good evidence that myths and stereotypes of older people may leave employers unprepared for new realities. For essential attributes of productivity, no empirical research to date links age and job performance. In a 1998 study examining 360 adult ages 20 to 75 on their ability to perform computer-based tasks, younger participants were faster but no more accurate in their output. Cognitive processing speed, which declines with …

…The state of current research investigating productivity among older workers suggests that given the right environment and management styles, older workers can be just as productive and valuable as younger workers-perhaps even more so. Retention of older workers needs to be a focus of company management as baby boomers move into traditional retirement age. Their retention will most likely be crucial in maintaining a competitive edge in the workplace in the current and coming decades.