Mature age workers could ease skills shortage says ombudsman

Mature age workers could come to the rescue of many sectors experiencing skills shortages, writes Australia’s Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.

Many small and family businesses have made the most of the holiday rush, with Australian shoppers spending an estimated $60 billion in the weeks leading up to the festive season.

The increase in consumer activity has no doubt come as a welcome relief to retailers emerging from lockdowns and restrictions, however, there have still been headwinds to contend with such as supply chain constraints, challenges accessing staff, long delivery delays and heightened customer expectations.

My office has been actively encouraging consumers to consciously shop at small and family businesses. We urged shoppers to be kindly customers – patient, understanding. A friendly reminder that small businesses are run and staffed by real people who deserve respect and empathy.

Mature age workers are the answer to staff shortages

A significant number of small business owners have been run off their feet, covering for staff in isolation and struggling amid nationwide labour shortages. Vacancies across a range of industries including retail, tourism and hospitality have hit an all-time high across Australia. Businesses in this predicament are encouraged to welcome applications from all ages when hiring staff.

Age diversity is good for business. Older workers can elevate an entire workplace, with their knowledge, experience and transferrable skills forged over many years. Mature age employees could help ease the workload.

We are already seeing this in action in places such as the NSW South Coast, where businesses are hiring mature-age workers and seeing the benefits first-hand.

Be inclusive of all ages in your advertising

Small businesses looking for staff should ensure their advertising is welcoming of workers of all ages and be looking for a person with a positive attitude and willingness to learn the skills that can be taught on the job. Some are even finding that a simple poster in the window is attracting applicants.

By offering flexible working arrangements, it allows workers at various life stages a chance to manage their work-life balance.

Above all, we want small and family businesses to survive and thrive in 2022 and that may mean casting the net a little but wider to ensure you have the team you need going forward.

Help for small business owners

As small businesses navigate the challenges presented by this new normal, they may also be feeling understandably weighed down by this additional stress. Help is available for those who need it. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a huge toll on mental health, particularly small businesses impacted by lockdowns and trading restrictions and staff shortages. Our My Business Health web portal provides free, practical resources to help with running your business. It also links to leading mental health organisations and tailored programs like Beyond Blue’s New Access for Small Business Owners.

Finally, small and family businesses have shown admirable courage and resilience over the past two years. Wishing you a more productive and prosperous 2022.

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