Almost half of older workers believe their younger colleagues teach them skills they previously did not have, according to a study by Jobcentre Plus.

The research found that working in a mixed aged workforce is important for both older (66%) and younger (65%) UK workers, with all recognising the benefits of working with people of mixed ages.  

It showed that younger workers think their older colleagues bring experience (94%), while reliability (66%) and understanding (63%) also featured highly. Comparatively, nearly two thirds of older workers are impressed by their younger co-workers ability to learn quickly, be flexible (61%) and give them energy (51%).

Public sector and financial services workers show a higher level of confidence in their younger colleagues, although overall reliability appears to be an area younger workers need to improve - only a quarter of older workers believed their younger co-workers to be reliable.

Lesley Strathie (pictured below), chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, says: "The research shows that having the right balance of age and skills can bring numerous benefits to establishing a complete workforce for both employers and employees. It's not always easy to get the mix right, which is why Jobcentre Plus advisers work closely with employers and candidates to match the right opportunities with the right people.”

The research also reveals that in all sectors younger workers stated that their older colleagues were more likely to be left in charge (60%). It found that more than half of older workers believe their younger colleagues to be more likely to take risks, with 16% commenting that they are also more likely to be given manual tasks.

Next week sees the launch of GenerationXperience UK Older people's day, which celebrates the opportunities and aspirations of older people and their contribution to our society and economy.

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