Employment Guidelines for elderly workers to reduce labor market problems of the private sector

Abstract

           The objectives of this research were 1) to study the employment guidelines for elderly workers in the private sector and, 2) to examine problems and obstacles in employing elderly workers in the private sector. In this research, the researcher used a qualitative research method by collecting data from a sample group of 17 executives in the human resource department of private organizations (1 person from 1 company). The adopted research instrument is the in-depth interview using open-ended questions for key Informants.

           The results show that 1) in terms of pattern and employment guidelines for elderly workers in the future, it was found that elderly workers should be continually employed since they are workers with high working experience through the problem-solving process; hence, they are regarded as experts who are capable of transferring knowledge well. Therefore, the duty as consultants should be emphasized with clear regulations for extending the age of retirement in order to generate mutual understanding; 2) in terms of problems and obstacles occurred from employing elderly workers, it was found that most of them still do not understand technology and cling on to the traditional working style, they do not open to new changes and do not accept organizational restructuring. This situation leads to the rejection of younger supervisors which results in a non-compliance with the company's rules and regulations. Furthermore, health issues may cause problems for some positions since their physical fitness may not be suitable to perform certain tasks, especially physically strenuous tasks. With regards to the overview of economic, social, and national aspects relating to employing elderly workers to stay in the labor market, it was found that if there is no employment of elderly workers, there will be a lack of income. As a consequence, they have to rely on state welfare which is the burden of the government and may affect the overall economic problems of the country. If elderly workers are still employed, it will promote income-generating schemes that support the elderly to not be a burden to others and society. Regarding the guidelines to solve problems or obstacles in employing elderly workers, it was found that the assigned duty should be appropriate for the age ranges or their knowledge by focusing on consulting positions on related tasks. Elderly workers should increase their working skills to Multi-Skills. Additionally, for health issues, companies should arrange annual health check-ups regularly by organizing examination programs that suit the age ranges.