More stress for older workers

Community Action, Nov 22, 2004

VANCOUVER -- "Older workers are more likely to report workplace stress issues, and this trend is rising," says Rod Phillips, president and CEO, WarrenShepell Research Group. His statement is based on its report, The Aging Workforce. An EAP'S Perspective conducted by the Shepell group.

The Report is an examination of Employee Assistance Provider access patterns among younger and older workers to identify outstanding differences between them.

Because older Canadians are an essential workforce, with little generational replacement anticipated, older workers are destined to fill a variety of positions from the mailroom to the boardroom. Gerry Smith, vice president of Organizational Health adds "If organizations are to pursue future growth and productivity, employers need to understand the issues that are affecting this population of their workforce and how to address them. They also need to refocus their attraction, recruitment and retention strategies around supporting older workers on these challenges."

Solutions that reduce psychological distress among older employees, the report suggests, is one way to ensure that older workers are in jobs and work environments that are healthy and engaging.

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