How to improve the employability of seniors in France?
Seniors represent an invaluable resource for companies. However, with the extension of life expectancy and the evolution of pension schemes, the job market is being completely disrupted. They are therefore facing difficulties in maintaining or finding a job. In France, while the employment rate of 55-64 year-olds stagnates at 56% compared to an average of 73%, the risk of long-term unemployment is twice as high. Bearers of valuable skills and experience, how can companies support their employment more effectively? Askaide tells you about it in this article.
The advantages of seniors for the company
It is a fact that seniors have a valuable asset: their experience . Their long years of work within companies have effectively allowed them to acquire unparalleled technical, relational and managerial skills. Added to this is an increased knowledge of the practices of the sector. Their sense of responsibility, their ability to adapt, their reliability, their resilience and their emotional stability are all assets that can be used to the advantage of employers.
However, despite all these qualities, the latter are often confronted with problems of professional integration . The reasons are numerous, if we only cite:
- Age-related prejudices;
- Difficulties in adapting to new technologies;
- Fear of the cost of training;
- The question of health and physical capacity;
- Insufficient public policies.
Initiatives to be taken to promote the employability of seniors
Improving the employability of seniors is a real societal challenge. However, by allowing them to extend their working lives, we contribute to combating poverty, reducing health costs and strengthening social ties.
Here are the key actions to implement to remove barriers to employment for older people:
· The valorization of acquired skills and experience
Age discrimination is still present in the labor market. It is therefore essential to recognize that seniors bring real added value in terms of know-how, stability and knowledge transfer. They have extensive professional experience as well as skills in specific areas, which are unfortunately underestimated. However, they can be very useful for a company, especially if they are put to optimal use.
· Support for professional retraining
To access new opportunities and continue to be active, professional retraining may be necessary for some older workers. As a result, support systems must be put in place to help them identify their transferable skills , but also to define a new professional project and of course to acquire the required qualifications.
· Adaptation of workstations
With age, some tasks can become difficult. Therefore, it is necessary to adapt workstations to make them more accessible to seniors . To facilitate their professional integration and help them better manage their professional and private lives, flexible working hours or part-time positions will be ideal. With the digital transition of companies, teleworking is also an option. The objective is therefore to offer them favorable working conditions in recognition of their contribution.
· Continuing education
Continuing education is also a key element in maintaining the employability of seniors . Through learning sessions, they can update themselves on technological developments, develop their skills, but above all adapt to the demands of the job market. However, training must be adapted to the specific needs of older workers.
