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Written Answer to PQ on Intergenerational Teams in Local Companies

Employment practices

NOTICE PAPER NO. 867 OF 2021 FOR THE SITTING ON OR AFTER 11 JANUARY 2022
QUESTION NO. 1355 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

MP: Mr Yip Hong Weng
To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) whether any study has been done on the prevalence of the concept of intergenerational teams in local companies; and (b) how will the Ministry encourage work redesign to build intergenerational teams that leverage on age diversity to bring out the skills and capabilities of senior and younger employees.

Answer
1. MOM does not have data on the prevalence of intergenerational teams, but as populations age, many studies have shown that it is imperative for businesses to embrace an age-diverse workforce to stay competitive. To support businesses, we are increasing the statutory retirement and re-employment ages to allow senior employees to continue working if they wish. All employers are also expected to adopt fair and merit-based employment practices.

2. We actively encourage employers to adopt age-friendly practices, including job redesign, to better harness the potential of senior workers. Companies can tap on the Productivity Solutions Grant and Enterprise Development Grant to support job redesign. Our tripartite partners are also supporting companies’ workforce transformation, such as through NTUC’s Company Training Committees. The Tripartite Standard on Age-friendly Workplace Practices further recognises employers for putting in place good age management practices in areas such as selection and hiring, training and job-redesign.

3. Such measures have helped our senior workers’ employment rate to remain strong despite the pandemic. We will continue efforts to support companies to harness the skills and experience of a diverse workforce.