Ageing population will impact workplace, warns ACAS

According to employment relations service ACAS, employers should put plans into place for the impact an ageing population is likely to have on the workplace.

The body has released a warning about the changing face of the workforce as increasing numbers of employees find themselves faced with caring for elderly relatives, who are living longer than ever before.

As staff members try to juggle work with their caring responsibilities – for both children and older relatives - requests for flexible or home working will rise, says ACAS.

Currently, around one in seven employees is also a carer and almost half of them have already changed their working hours or arrangements to better suit their needs. This is only set to increase further, according to ACAS.

Alongside these concerns, the removal of the default retirement age will mean that employers will also be faced with dealing with the 'performance management' of older workers.

ACAS's paper, entitled 'The Future of the Workplace', discusses the changing face of the workforce over the coming decade and future challenges for employers in light of the changes.

ACAS Chief Executive, John Taylor, said, "It's no surprise that as we see cultural changes the effects will be reflected in our workplaces. We already know that the ageing population is going to have an impact on society and employers need to start thinking now about how they can prepare for issues such as the support employees will need with eldercare responsibilities."

Mr Taylor added that there was an "increasing need for employers to communicate and engage with their employees to help increase productivity and innovation."