The Rural Ageing Workforce: Older Staff - a Hindrance or a Help?

摘要

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the actual and potential productivity profiles of older staff (50 plus) in the workforce and identify whether any perceived negative productivity profiles of older staff are fact or myth. Design/methodoiogy/approach: A literature research of relevant research results was undertaken, followed by a quantative survey of the experiences and perceptions of 116 SMe employers in a rural area (Shropshire). Findings: The assembled evidence points to the fact that older employees make net positive productivity contributions within the workplace, and these significantly outweigh potential negative effects. Research Implications/Limitations: The rural area research, carried out in 2007, was undertaken withinan area in which employers reported a significant ageing of the workforce, which may have already Influenced their approaches to the subject of employing older staff. Practical Implications: It is suggested that in practice many employers will need to consider the employment of older staff currently and in the future, and that such an employment trend could positively contribute to future businee health. Originality/Value: Original quantative research within a rural region which addresses the reality ofthe effects of older staff on the productivity of a firm/organisation.