Media Release - 04 November 2007
Federal Government and industry can boost labour participation rates by removing workplace barriers for mature-aged professionals
The Federal Government and industry can ease the professional skills crisis by restructuring jobs to offer flexible working hours for mature-aged professionals so they can choose to remain in the workforce longer or return to work on a part-time, semi-retirement basis, said Phillip Guest, managing director at global recruitment firm Michael Page International.
Mr Guest said Australia’s continued strong economic growth will depend on higher levels of mature-aged workplace participation.
He said the Federal Government’s recent Intergenerational Report 2007 showed that the population will increase over the next 40 years but with a higher proportion of older people and that economic growth per person will slow as the proportion of the population of traditional working age falls.
The IGR report states that although the participation rate for people aged 15-64 is projected to continue to rise, the ageing population means a greater proportion of people will be over 64 and that people in this group are most likely not to work or to work part-time.
“This means we need rethink our attitudes to retirement and offer more flexible job arrangements to retain mature-aged workers for longer, or to assist with re-entry into the workforce on a part-time basis.
Mr Guest said a cultural workplace shift is required to support and encourage flexible work practices. The business benefits need to be understood, communicated and championed at the executive level.
“Both the Government and opposition have this week promised significant tax cuts to encourage people back to work. While tax cuts are a positive incentive towards this, a common frustration for mature workers in the professional occupation groups is a lack of flexible working options.
“Employers must plan for their long-term needs and look to recruitment specialists for guidance in building their talent pools of the future. Helping mature-aged workers with phased retirement schemes and return-to-work options should be an integral part of this strategy,” Mr Guest said.
About Michael Page International
Michael Page International is a leading professional recruitment consultancy specialising in the recruitment of permanent, contract and temporary positions on behalf of the world’s top employers. The consultancy operates through 149 offices in 25 countries and employs more than 5,000 people. Australian operations began in 1985 and the office network has since expanded to include Sydney, Chatswood, Parramatta, Melbourne, Wheelers Hill, Brisbane and Perth.
Contact
Jason Hemens
Corporate Communications Manager
Michael Page International
Ph: 02 8292 2131
Email: jasonhemens@michaelpage.com.au
