ANZAC Day is a time to remember and pay tribute to the brave servicemen and women who fought for our country's freedom. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the values of sacrifice, loyalty, and hard work that have made New Zealand what it is today. As we honor ANZAC Day 2023, we should also celebrate the contribution of older workers to our economy and the benefits they can bring to businesses.

According to recent statistics, older workers (aged 55+) are the fastest-growing segment of the labour market in New Zealand. This is due to a combination of factors, including an aging population, changes to retirement policies, and the desire of many older workers to continue working for financial or personal reasons. Despite this trend, many employers overlook the value that older workers can bring to their businesses.

The Benefits:

One of the key benefits of hiring older workers is their experience. They have a wealth of knowledge and skills acquired over many years in the workforce. This can be invaluable in industries where technical expertise and problem-solving skills are essential. Older workers also tend to have a strong work ethic and are often committed to their jobs and the companies they work for.

Another advantage of hiring older workers is the diversity of perspectives they bring to the workplace. They may have different life experiences, cultural backgrounds, and ways of thinking that can enrich the work environment and lead to innovative solutions. Studies have shown that teams with a mix of ages and backgrounds perform better than homogenous groups.

Moreover, older workers tend to have a lower turnover rate than their younger counterparts. This can save businesses significant costs in terms of recruitment, training, and lost productivity. In addition, hiring older workers can help companies to address the skills shortages that exist in some industries. This is particularly relevant in industries such as healthcare and construction, where there is a demand for skilled workers.

Reflecting on ANZAC Day 

ANZAC Day is a time to honour the contribution of our servicemen and women. Lets also celebrate the values that they embody, such as hard work, loyalty, and sacrifice. Lets recognise the valuable contribution that older workers can make to our economy and our businesses. Hiring older workers can bring experience, diversity, and stability to the workplace, and help companies to address skills shortages. 

As we reflect on ANZAC Day 2023, let us remember that age is just a number, and that older workers have much to offer!

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