The report, Health warning for employers: supporting older workers with health conditions, by the Centre for Ageing Better also found that many older people are put off speaking to their bosses until the last moment because of poor workplace cultures and bureaucratic procedures.
It also states that older workers are more likely to have long-term health conditions, such as musculoskeletal disorders, heart problems or chronic breathing difficulties.
According to the report, while a quarter of 25-49 year olds have a long-term health condition, this figure rises to 44% of those aged 50-64 year olds.
And more than one in five (23%) of 50-64 year olds report that they are managing two or more long-term health conditions.
In addition, figures from Public Health England predict that 40% of the working age population will have a long-term health condition by 2030.
In order to encourage older workers to speak out about their conditions, the report calls on employers to create a more supportive, empathetic and open culture.
It also recommends full and equal access to support for health at work, including flexible working for all employees.
The report also calls on the Government to regulations and training guidance to ensure more emphasis on prevention and management of health conditions at work.
It also recommends extending occupational health and wellbeing support to smaller companies and the self-employed.
“Our research shows that significant numbers of people are missing out on the benefits of good work in later life because of health conditions,” said report author, Jemma Mouland.
“Falling out of work involuntarily leads to significant long-term problems, including loss of income and retirement savings, weakening social connections and a diminished sense of purpose.
“Government and employers can do more to improve workplace-based prevention and management of health conditions. Many of these adjustments are small and inexpensive, but can provide a huge benefit to people who want to continue working in later life.”
To read the full report, click here.
In this episode of the Safety & Health Podcast, ‘Burnout, stress and being human’, Heather Beach is joined by Stacy Thomson to discuss burnout, perfectionism and how to deal with burnout as an individual, as management and as an organisation.
We provide an insight on how to tackle burnout and why mental health is such a taboo subject, particularly in the workplace.
