Study on Prevalence of Concept of Intergenerational Teams in Local Companies
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Yip Hon Weng’s inquiry into the prevalence of inter-generational teams and how the Ministry encourages work redesign to leverage age diversity. Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng stated that although specific data is unavailable, the government is increasing statutory retirement and re-employment ages to support seniors. He highlighted that employers can access the Productivity Solutions Grant and Enterprise Development Grant for job redesign to better harness senior workers' potential. Tripartite partners also support workforce transformation through NTUC’s Company Training Committees and the Tripartite Standard on Age-friendly Workplace Practices. These measures aim to strengthen senior employment rates and help companies remain competitive by utilizing the skills and experience of a diverse workforce.
Transcript
34 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether any study has been done on the prevalence of the concept of inter-generational teams in local companies; and (b) how will the Ministry encourage work redesign to build inter-generational teams that leverage on age diversity to bring out the skills and capabilities of senior and younger employees.
Dr Tan See Leng: MOM does not have data on the prevalence of inter-generational teams, but as populations age, many studies have shown that it is imperative for businesses to embrace an age-diverse workforce to stay competitive. To support businesses, we are increasing the statutory retirement and re-employment ages to allow senior employees to continue working if they wish. All employers are also expected to adopt fair and merit-based employment practices.
We actively encourage employers to adopt age-friendly practices, including job redesign, to better harness the potential of senior workers. Companies can tap on the Productivity Solutions Grant and Enterprise Development Grant to support job redesign.
Our tripartite partners are also supporting companies’ workforce transformation, such as through NTUC’s Company Training Committees. The Tripartite Standard on Age-friendly Workplace Practices further recognises employers for putting in place good age management practices in areas such as selection and hiring, training and job-redesign.
Such measures have helped our senior workers’ employment rate to remain strong despite the pandemic. We will continue efforts to support companies to harness the skills and experience of a diverse workforce.