Mature-aged employment
About the ageing workforce
Our ageing population is a reality. In Australia during the next four decades the number of people aged over 65 will almost double. Within just seven years, about 85 percent of labour market growth will come from people over the age of 45.
The changing labour force
Australia is facing a decline in labour force growth in the next 50 years. The shift in the population age distribution towards older ages has significant economic implications.
Your legal responsibilities
Discriminating against someone on the basis of age is unlawful in Queensland. When interviewing job applicants or considering who to promote, allocating training, you must not make a decision based on someone's age.
Facts and figures
Improved health, greater life expectancy and the trend to smaller families are having a significant impact on the demographic character of Australia.
Myth busters
"The myth of ageism - there are vital older people and worn out younger people." Older Australians represent the fastest-growing, most affluent segment of the consumer market - and older customers may prefer to deal with people who are similar to them and understand their needs.
Flexible work arrangements
In addressing the challenge of an ageing workforce, it is important to focus on increasing both the labour force participation and productivity of older workers. Participation may be increased through flexible work arrangements.
Case studies: older worker programs
Some businesses are already benefiting from employing older workers. Read these case studies to find out how.
Adapting your business to the ageing workforce
Adapting your business to the ageing workforce requires commitment to an age-balanced workforce rather than costly modifications.
Assistance with aged-care responsibilities
As the population is ageing, more men and women will be faced with aged care responsibilities. More workers will become responsible for the care of elderly parents, while more mature-aged workers may also increasingly become responsible for the care of spouses.
