How Occupational Health can support an Aging Workforce

As the workforce ages, businesses must adapt to meet the health needs of older employees. With more than half of older workers living with a long-term health condition, occupational health (OH) services can play a key role in helping them remain healthy, productive, and engaged at work.

Here’s how an OH provider can help:

1. Advising on Reasonable Adjustments

Older workers often benefit from adjustments that accommodate their health conditions or physical needs. OH can offer expert advice on reasonable adjustments to help older employees stay comfortable and effective in their roles, reducing the likelihood of early retirement due to health issues.

Example: An OH provider might suggest adjusting an employee’s work schedule to include more breaks or shorter shifts if they are managing fatigue or chronic pain.

2. Regular Health Assessments

Regular voluntary health assessments for workers can help detect early signs of health issues like hypertension, diabetes, or musculoskeletal problems. This allows for fast intervention, helping prevent more serious health complications down the line.

Example: An annual health check could reveal high blood pressure in an employee, allowing for early management through lifestyle changes or medication.

3. Educating and Empowering Employees www.allhealthmatters.co.uk

Knowledge is key to managing health effectively. OH can offer sessions on topics such as managing chronic conditions and making healthy lifestyle choices. Workshops could offer exercises to improve strength and flexibility, or nutritional advice.

Example: A workshop on managing arthritis could teach older employees exercises to reduce pain and maintain joint function.

By focusing on prevention and early intervention, OH helps keep older employees in the workforce longer. This benefits the employees, who can continue to work and contribute, and the businesses, which retain experienced and skilled workers.

For more information on how occupational health services can support your aging workforce, contact All Health Matters.