“Young seniors”, aged now in their 50s and early 60s, is a term defined by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at 2023 National Day Rally. It is a group over 784,000 that has benefited more from better education system, rapid economic development and improved healthcare than the earlier generation.
Young seniors while some are not actively seeking employment, is also commonly referred to the group of senior citizens that encountered obstacles like age discrimination in the job market.
Obstacles
Senior citizens in Singapore are expressing frustration over perceived age discrimination in the job market, claiming that employers prioritize younger candidates over experienced, older professionals.
Many believe that age, rather than skills, is the main barrier to employment. Online discussions reveal shared struggles, with some attributing the difficulty to an influx of foreign workers and economic conditions.
Despite these challenges, some suggest that older job seekers may need to adjust their expectations regarding salary and position to improve their chances of employment. Further details about the obstacles is covered in this published article by The Independent.
Is foreigner taking job away from local
Concerns from locals who believe that an influx of foreign talent is making it harder for Singaporeans to secure employment. This sentiment is echoed by multiple commenters who feel that foreigners are taking over jobs that should be available to locals.
However, this perception is complex and multifaceted, often influenced by economic factors, policy decisions, and market demands. It is not conclusive to definitively say that foreigners are taking jobs away from locals, but the perception and frustration among locals are certainly present and need to address.
Is age a barrier to job application
Age discrimination appears to be a significant barrier in the job market for older professionals in Singapore. The article details experiences of senior citizens who feel that companies prioritize younger candidates over more experienced, older professionals.
Despite their skills and qualifications, older job seekers are struggling to find employment, indicating that age is indeed a barrier. Alternative strategy to promote the value of maturity, critical thinking skill and experience in hiring senior job seekers is necessary.
Why employers prefer younger workers
Employers may prefer younger workers for several reasons:
- Cost: Younger workers may accept lower salaries compared to their older counterparts, which can be appealing to employers looking to reduce costs.
- Perceived Adaptability: Younger employees are often perceived to be more adaptable, tech-savvy, and capable of learning new skills quickly.
- Long-Term Potential: Employers might view younger workers as long-term investments, believing they have more years to contribute to the company.
- Health and Energy: Younger employees might be perceived to have more energy and fewer health-related absences, making them more reliable in demanding job roles.
It is therefore necessary for employers to implement diversity and inclusive policy at the workplace, while not disadvantaged employers from the benefit of hiring younger workers and can achieve an diversified and inclusive workforce in its employer of choice branding.
Can shorter work week spread the job evenly to allow more people to gain employment
Implementing a shorter work week could potentially spread jobs more evenly, allowing more people to gain employment. This approach could reduce the number of hours each individual works, thereby increasing the number of people required to maintain the same level of productivity.
However, this solution depends on various factors, such as industry requirements, economic conditions, and company policies. There could also be challenges in maintaining efficiency and productivity with a reduced workweek, which employers might be hesitant to adopt.
Implementing flexible work arrangement (FWA) is the right strategy and policy for employer in this direction to align with the national policy that take effect from December 2024.
Which country has a good diversity and inclusive policy to engage elderly for employment
Countries like Japan and Germany are noted for their efforts in engaging elderly workers and promoting inclusive employment policies:
- Japan: Facing an aging population, Japan has implemented various policies to encourage the employment of older individuals. This includes raising the retirement age and promoting reemployment through programs that offer training and flexible working hours.
- Germany: Germany has also made strides in integrating older workers into the workforce. The country has policies that support lifelong learning and provide incentives for companies to hire older workers. Germany’s approach includes flexible working arrangements and a focus on continuous professional development for the elderly.
These countries provide models that Singapore could consider to improve its own policies on engaging elderly workers in the job market.
Employment is a complex issue that needs the collective wisdom of employers, people and govenrment to create opportunity for all to align as the nation progress, obstacle encountered along the progress presents new learning opportunities to all.
In this journey, diversity and inclusive policy and flexible work arrangement are the two key guiding principles as we progress.
“You deserve a circle of inclusion and influence, but it’s up to you to create it.” –George Washington (Writer, ‘The Story of My Life’)