Aging Canadian Workforce Brings New Challenges

Last Updated on January 24, 2019

The aging of Canada’s workforce is fast becoming more of a concern for employers across the country.

New analysis shows that, as early as 2016, the number of people entering the workforce may not be enough to match the number leaving, which will cause labour shortages across the country.

Statistics show that by 2031, one-quarter of Canada’s population will be over 65 years old – what used to be the mandatory retirement age. Now, it is not unusual to see workers continue on well past this age, and better health than ever before is helping them do so.

Canadian employers may not have much choice in the matter, as long-standing predictions about a massive worker shortage are on the verge of fruition. Older workers are probably not the solution that most Canadian companies are hoping for.

“We don’t see or hear as well,” says ergonomist Peter Goyert in a recent article about injury in the workplace. “Our colour perception deteriorates. Our reflexes slow down and we don’t sleep as well. We’re less flexible and our range of motion shrinks. Our bones thin, our balance declines, and we lose muscle and respiratory and cardiovascular function.”

Though immigration is a major way to help ease the shortages, it will most likely not be enough, given current levels. Older workers are going to become a more common feature in Canadian workplaces, and both workers and employers will have to pay the price.

Source: Vancouver Sun