A study conducted by Qualisocial and Ipsos in November 2023 aimed to understand the perception that employees aged 55 and older have of their quality of life and working conditions, commonly referred to as “QVCT,” which impact their health and engagement. The study surveyed 3,002 employees working in France in both public and private organizations, with a specific focus on the 549 individuals aged 55 and older. The results revealed that older employees are less satisfied with relationships, work atmosphere, organization of work, skills development, and career progression compared to the overall sample.
One key finding is that seniors are generally less satisfied with workplace relationships and atmosphere, organization of work, skills development, and career progression compared to the overall sample of employees. This suggests that older employees are often not prioritized for training opportunities towards the end of their careers. Additionally, the study found that consideration from employers decreases with age, with only 43% of seniors feeling rather satisfied with the attention given by management, compared to 51% of all employees. This may be due to the diminishing value placed on relational skills acquired through experience by employers in favor of technical skills, particularly in digital tools.
Despite these challenges, the increasing adoption of automation and artificial intelligence across various sectors might shift the importance back to human and relational skills that are refined with experience. As machines and software become more capable of executing complex tasks, human skills, such as teamwork, responsibility, stress management, and time management, could potentially regain significance. This shift could present new opportunities for older employees to leverage their experience and interpersonal skills in the workplace.
The study also identified three key factors that can enhance engagement among seniors in the workplace. These include pride in their work, opportunities to fully utilize their skills, and a positive work environment fostered by employers. By leveraging these levers, organizations can optimize the engagement of older employees and create a more fulfilling work environment for them. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of valuing the experience and skills of older employees and creating opportunities for them to contribute effectively towards organizational goals.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the challenges faced by older employees in terms of satisfaction with work relationships, career development opportunities, and consideration from employers. As trends in automation and artificial intelligence continue to evolve, there is a potential for a reevaluation of the importance of human and relational skills in the workplace. By understanding the unique needs and strengths of older employees, organizations can adapt their policies and practices to better support the engagement and well-being of this demographic. Ultimately, creating a work environment that values and utilizes the experience and skills of older workers can lead to increased satisfaction, productivity, and overall well-being for both employees and organizations.
