The Future of Work at 68: Adapting to an Older Workforce in the UK

In the UK, the retirement age has recently been increased to 68. This raises the question of whether individuals in their late 60s can still perform their job effectively. As someone nearing 68, I can offer a firsthand perspective on this issue.

My Personal Experience

I have been out of full-time employment since I was 45, and I have adjusted to doing work for money without any major issues. I believe I can confidently perform the work I did when I was 67 in the United States, and I have no concerns about my capabilities at age 68. However, I acknowledge that the UK's employment landscape is unique, and there may be additional factors to consider.

Challenges Faced at 68

At 50, I might have given a different answer because I felt reasonably fit and mobile. However, at 62, I faced a series of illnesses that left me bedridden for months. This experience significantly impacted my mobility, yet my ability to handle HR issues remained intact throughout.

Given my current capabilities, if I could find an employer who can accommodate my mobility issues, benefit from the post-COVID workplace changes, and allow remote work, I am confident I could continue working past 68. The key is the employer's willingness to make reasonable accommodations, similar to how they support disabled employees.

HR Perspective and Workplace Adaptations

From an HR standpoint, many people in their mid-60s may face physical limitations that reduce their ability to perform tasks as they did in their 30s. As such, employers will need to consider temporary aids and adaptations to ensure these individuals can continue working safely and efficiently. This situation is similar to how employers currently adapt to the needs of long-term disabled employees.

A key consideration is the health and safety of the older workforce. Employers must monitor the fitness of employees for their roles and prepare for potential enforced early retirements to protect employees' health and safety. In such cases, the employer may need to offer continued pay until the retirement date or provide a severance package.

Conclusion

The UK's increasing retirement age presents both opportunities and challenges. By making workplace adaptations and maintaining employee health and safety, employers can help their older workforce continue making valuable contributions well into their 60s and beyond.