New reports suggest that older employees can not only have strong business benefits by way of experience but are also prepared to innovate if asked.
A survey conducted by BlessingWhite shows that half of all workers aged 55 to 64 are willing to innovate, rising to almost two-thirds of those aged 65 and over.
These findings suggest that older workers can be of benefit to businesses that are looking to implement new practices and innovations, rather than assuming that younger workers are more conducive to innovation.
Research shows that 31 per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds are motivated by new challenges, rising to 68 per cent of 35 to 44-year-olds, 62 per cent of those between the ages of 45 and 54 and 65 per cent of the over-65s.
Tom Barry, managing director of BlessingWhite, stresses the need for employers to take advantage of older, willing workers.
"These findings should be a call to action for organisations that are currently ignoring the innovative talents of their older and younger staff," he told OnRec.
"Workers over 45 have the most experience to draw upon, and are the most receptive age group."
Aon Consulting warns that UK employers could be facing an ageing workforce in the future as 78 per cent of the working population expects to continue working beyond 65, reports the Mature Market.
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