Flexible working could keep older employees in work longer

A new report suggests that more flexible job opportunities could be key for keeping older employees in the workforce for longer.

The survey, compiled by Zurich UK, found that one in five people over the age of 50 avoid new job opportunities due to a lack of flexible working.

The findings show that more flexibility in the workplace would result in 34% of those aged 50+ staying in the workforce for longer, and a further 28% admit that they could be tempted out of retirement if they had the option to work from home.

Steve Collinson, Chief HR Officer, Zurich UK, commented on the findings, “More than one in four of our UK employees is over 50 and we know that for them, flexibility is key. We’ve been a flexible working employer for over a decade and all new roles are advertised as being available on a part-time or job-share basis.

“The feedback we hear is that people want to carry on working, but in a different way. Our people tell us that they have other needs such as caring responsibilities, but they also want balance and time off for hobbies, volunteering, or travel. Our policies factor this in and include wellbeing and mental health support and more recently menopause.”

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