Stamp out ageism in the workplace

THIS WEEK'S TOPIC: How do you see the move to enable older Singaporeans to stay employed for longer? What changes, if any, would your organisation make in light of the upcoming increase in retirement age, re-employment age and CPF rates?

Max Loh Singapore and Brunei Managing Partner Ernst & Young LLP

There are always opportunities in and for change. Enabling older Singaporeans to stay employed for longer makes available an experienced workforce for companies to leverage. As well, it supports active ageing, allowing our seniors to continue to contribute to the economy if they wish to. There will invariably be higher business costs that need to be factored into the company's talent management and operating models, and fiscal support from the government will be helpful. Business costs aside, companies will also need to think strategically about what a multi-generational workforce means for their culture and the importance of inclusion, the nature of work and job types, and the role of technology and reskilling in optimising this workforce segment.