Continuous Education Of Older Employees: Cost Or Benefit?

Abstract

The complexity of consequences of population ageing is posing a threat to the EU macro-economic performance, as well as to the competitiveness of every single enterprise. In this context, increases in participation and employment rates for older workers are essential to help sustain economic growth, and manage the rising financial burden on social protection systems. Between HRM approaches, policies and instruments – continuous education of older employees – seems to be extremely important when striving to prolong employees’ working life. Up-to-date knowledge improves older workers’ workability and enables people to remain “employable”. Moreover, it is beneficial for self-confidence, which in turn influences an intrinsic motivation for prolonging working life.The aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of continuous education of older employees and benefits that life-long learning brings to company. However, stereotyping older employees still puts numerous obstacles for continuous education and this is why the paper sheds light upon myths that need to be avoided. Simultaneously, real facts considering older employees’ education are brought up to the surface. Finally, the paper offers many suggestions for long-life learning with special emphasize on improving education of older employees.