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Older employees in the workplace

As people are now working later in life, creating environments where workers aged over 50 can thrive will benefit both employers and employees.

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What employers can do

There are many ways employers can be proactive in supporting older employees. Consider using these practical examples and resources in your workplace: 

Ensure fair and inclusive recruitment
  • Promote diversity statements that explicitly include age, using Acas’ age discrimination guidance
Offer flexible working options
  • Provide flexible working opportunities from day one. This could include job-sharing, part-time roles and phased retirement. Centre for Ageing Better’s flexible working toolkit provides further guidance about this. 
Promote career development
  • Provide equal access to training and professional development. Consider using Careers Wales’ resources for employers. 
Enhance workplace health support
  • Facilitate open conversations about age-related health issues  
  • Train managers to support employees with occupational health referrals using Business Wales’ Upskilling@Work initiative
  • Facilitate open conversations about age-related health issues , suggest employees undertake a MIDLIFE MOT 
Encourage conversations and raise awareness
  • Encourage and create opportunities for open discussions about age-related health issues
  • Promote engagement in events and campaigns listed in our Campaigns and Events section, such as World Menopause Day and Older Worker’s Week 

Page last reviewed: 3rd July 2025

A worker in a high-visibility vest standing at a desk in a warehouse to label a box.