Singapore has one of the world’s lowest unemployment rates but dark clouds threaten the future
with increased talent competition and an inevitable growing aging workforce emerging globally as
well. Presently, 53.7% of Singaporeans aged 55 -64 are working; this group will make up at least
55% of the total workforce by 2015.
With an aging workforce coupled with slowing birth- rates, businesses are now facing a labour crisis
where the number of new entrants to the workforce is inadequate to meet the required labour
demand.
To cope with the inevitability of talent shortage, companies must look to the mature workforce to
help fill the gaps.
Silver is the new black
Working in retirement is now the new reality. Apart from economic reasons pushing more older
workers to remain in the workforce, many continue working to keep mentally alert and physically fit
in their golden years. They might not even wish to retire, but instead are seeking more flexible work
arrangement with fewer hours and reduced work pressures.
Mature-aged workers are known for their extensive experience, loyalty and stability. And every time
a mature-aged employee resigns or retires, companies lose years of valuable knowledge, skills and
experience. Certain industries are particularly concerned about the impending ‘brain drain’
following the withdrawal of mature workers from the workforce.
And with the world’s aging population on the rise, businesses will need to exploit the older age
group demographic. Hence, companies must ensure they have sufficient older employees for mature clientele to relate to. Furthermore, having a diverse labour force comprising of multi- aged
staff is beneficial to companies as this ensures a range of best talents available.
Attracting, retraining and retaining mature- aged employees
Employing mature-aged workers can help to curb high costs of recruitment and training while
reducing attrition.
By 1 January 2012, employers will be required to offer re-employment to their workers when they
reach the age of 62. They can then continue to work until they are 65 – this will eventually be raised
to 67. But re- employment may not necessarily be in the same job or at the same pay.
In anticipation of the re- employment law, some employers have already taken a step ahead to tap
the mature workforce. Employers have coaxed their ex- staff out of retirement by re-engineering or
re-designing jobs to facilitate the latter’s needs and offering flexible working arrangements as well
as flexible benefits.
Supporting companies initiating re-hiring and retention of older staff, the Singapore Workforce
Development Agency (WDA) has established the ADVANTAGE! Scheme where the funds may be
used to recruit, retain and re- employ mature workers.
One of the many ways companies can increase their pool of mature employees is to include them in
mentorship programmes to pass on their knowledge to their younger counterparts. Leveraging on
their expertise and extensive experience, retired professionals can be offered consultancy or
advisory roles. Companies can hire qualified mature employees on a contract or part- time basis as
well. Not only will companies meet knowledge transfer needs, older workers will appreciate the work
life balance the job offers too.
To enhance employability and engagement, companies should have a career development
programme for their mature staff – being older does not mean there is no room for professional
growth. Training their older employees and upgrading their skills they are kept relevant in today’s
workforce.
Furthermore, despite their age, older workers can learn new skills and performing as well as their
younger counterparts. These candidates can utilise government subsidies at training centres to
improve themselves.
Resumes and interviews revisited
One of the biggest conceptions in hiring older workers is that their skills are outdated and they are
not willing to learn new skills. Therefore, mature workers need to show how they are still current in
today’s workforce, particularly highlighting their computer and technical skills, willingness to learn
and keeping their skills updated. They have to demonstrate they are flexible, creative and able to
work in a diverse-age environment.
For candidates intending to join the workforce after years of being a homemaker or volunteer, or
have large breaks of unpaid experience in their job history, they should consider describing their
skills as transferable and applicable to their next job.
This article is contributed by Ms Alma Othman, Managing Director – South Asia region, The GMP
Group.
The GMP Group
Incorporated in 1991, The GMP Group the largest staffing and HR service provider in Singapore with
various business units offering distinct services across all industries. Today, GMP is headquartered
in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Shanghai and Thailand.
For more information on The GMP Group, please visit www.gmprecruit.com