Evaluate the benefits and disadvantages of an older workforce

What will be an ideal response?

There are a number of positive qualities older workers bring to their jobs, such as experience, judgment, a strong work ethic, and commitment to quality, but older workers are also perceived as lacking flexibility and resisting new technology. When organizations are actively seeking individuals who are adaptable and open to change, the negatives associated with age clearly hinder the initial hiring of older workers and increase the likelihood they will be let go during cutbacks. As workers get older, they have fewer alternative job opportunities as their skills have become more specialized to certain types of work. Their long tenure also tends to provide them with higher wage rates, longer paid vacations, and more attractive pension benefits. In general, older employees have lower rates of avoidable absence than do younger employees. However, they have equal rates of unavoidable absence, such as sickness absences.