Mature workers are good for aged care
Mature aged workers are excellent candidates for work in the aged care sector, with one provider suggesting that hiring seniors has improved staff morale and reduced WorkCover claims.
Catholic Homes Human Resources Manager, Dominic Calabro, says continuing to focus on mature workers has contributed to a reduction in WorkCover premiums, decreased staff turnover, reduced absenteeism, and an improved workplace culture that has seen a continued increase in employee satisfaction levels.
He says Catholic Homes employs 231 employees over the age of 50, which equates to 40 percent of its workforce and is a number that is expected to grow.
“Mature workers are an untapped resource suitable for our industry given their life experience, skills, and maturity. They are excellent candidates when we are considering our workforce needs,” he says.
Calabro says mature aged workers have a good work ethic, are loyal and stable, come armed with good knowledge and skills, and are committed to their work.
While Catholic Homes already had a strong mature workforce a study with Melbourne’s Swinburne University confirmed the benefits mature age workers provide.
Importantly, the study also identified that employers benefit most when they understand the needs of mature-age workers.
“Employing older workers is about understanding how they can contribute to the workplace and creating the right environment and conditions conducive to them performing at their best.
“We are mindful of not stigmatizing mature aged workers and perpetuating artificial psychological barriers that may prevent them from seeking employment in Aged Care.
“In some circumstances, mature aged workers may be restrained by some physical tasks but this by no means outweighs the benefits of better interpersonal skills, knowledge, experience, and the commitment they bring.
“Employers need to reframe their perception of mature aged workers and encourage their managers to adopt a positive attitude and see them as a pool of excellent job candidates where the benefits, as we’ve experienced, speak for themselves,” Calabro says.
He says Catholic Homes is serious about continuing its mature age focus and are in preliminary discussions with Mission Australia, a Job Services Australia provider to find mature age workers who they can train and prepare as candidates for employment.
Mature workers are good for aged care, was first published on hospital and aged care the website of Hospital and aged care Magazine, June 2012, by Yaffa Publishing. Used with permission, all rights reserved. Reprinting or republishing without permission is prohibited.
