The physical work environment

The physical work environment - including equipment, layout, work practices and the way people are managed - can have a great influence on people's abilities and productivity throughout their working life.

Many jobs involve great physical exertion or exposure to long term hazards such as heat, dust, noise and other physical discomforts which, while manageable in one's early years, eventually have an effect on health.

Other types of employment involve long shifts, high travel requirements, or unsocial hours which also become more gruelling and more demanding as individuals grow older.

Unfortunately many organizations adopt a "one size fits all" benchmark for equipment and procedures, unaware that this may cause difficulties for older employees inevitably leading to early retirement and ill health.  No workplace is perfect but with redesigned equipment, work processes, and practices and associated training, many of the perceived obstacles can be overcome.

Sensitive and aware management, together with adequate performance management systems, can ensure these issues are monitored and addressed not only for the immediate benefit of the older workers in the organisation but also for the sustained health, benefit and morale of the whole workforce over time.