What could employers do to better support those aged over 50?

[MumsnetJobsTeam]

Many people - especially women - find it harder to find work once they hit 50, particularly if they've had a career break. Even within the workplace older people can face discrimination, whether being passed over for promotion, treated with condescension, or expected to have the same needs and requirements as someone younger.

We'd love to get your thoughts on how older people are treated in the world of work. Do you think there is discrimination? In what ways are older people harmed by policies and attitudes? And most importantly, what can employers do to better support those over 50?

Mumsnet Jobs is committed to campaigning for greater flexibility and equity in the world of work, and so on February 25th, we'll be putting your comments to a group of top employers who have gathered at MNHQ to learn how they can improve.

I was ill for a really long time. I'm now back on track. I'd love to work again but I'm interviewed by 30 year olds and treated like I'm a bit simple!

For me, I need IT training. Computers in the workplace really took off while I was having my children in the 1990s & when they were older and I worked part-time and on supply, I missed whatever training was on offer. I am amazed at what the younger members of staff can do at the click of a button on the computer. They are good at showing me some stuff, eg where to find files and how and where to save new files, but I feel they're laughing at me for having to write down each step of the process.

I had an unfortunate experience two years ago when I did a freelance stint at an NHS organisation after being out of work for 6 months. I was feeling rather nervous on my first day and was given very little support regarding the tasks I was taking on. I asked the young woman next to me a couple of questions about the computer system and she was pretty unhelpful. A few days later my manager took me aside to say she'd complained that I wasn't up to the job in the light of the questions. Apart from being uncalled for she didn't even work in the same team so it hardly affected her. Fortunately they kept me on and I left at the end of the contract having completed everything I was asked to do perfectly well and everyone was happy. This included tweeting, producing a specialist cancer newsletter in Mailchimp and updating the website. It never occurred to me that she thought I was incompetent because of my age until several other people pointed it out! The first time I'd ever knowingly come up against ageism in the workplace. Really unpleasant.

For me, I need IT training.

There are a lot of online resources. My company has some sort of subscription to LinkedIn Learning, I've done a couple of courses recently which I thought were good. But I'm sure there's free stuff too (does MN have any links for this sort of thing? If not might be good)

Flexible working - for everyone not just "older women". Increases productivity and improves employees mental health.

@ErrolTheDragon thank you for your reply. I've tried some online training, but I just don't understand the jargon associated with IT, so I end up more frustrated and feel even more of a failure. My best learning method seems to be a human being telling me what I need to do and me doing it and noting the steps I've taken, so I know how to do it myself in future. I can absolutely identify with the PP who did this and was considered unable to do her job by her younger colleague. I'm happy that my co workers are more sympathetic, but then I am a permanent full-time member of staff.

On the other hand, I acknowledge that my cooking skills are good after feeding a family of 6 for years and I'm happy to pass on my expertise to younger and/or male members of staff who are under confident in this area. Likewise laundry and cleaning (I work in a care home). I also have a clean driving licence and many years driving experience, which has meant no problems adding me to the works insurance policy and driving service users in any of the works vehicles at the drop of a hat.

All the energy and enthusiasm I used to invest in raising a family, I can now invest in work. I agree with PPs who point out that women in their 50s are individuals. Having now read the whole thread, I note that I differ from some others in that: I like our long shift working pattern as it means fewer commutes. I like short breaks rather than holiday breaks of several weeks. I love chatting about football. I'm looking forward to completing my professional qualification and am reasonably confident this might lead to promotion to a management position. Having completed lifting and handling qualifications, I know how much I can lift safely. I am fortunate that I don't have to care for elderly parents. I love my job and hope I can continue to do it until retirement age, currently 8 years hence.

Exactly so queenoftheschoolrun Flexible working - for everyone not just "older women". Increases productivity and improves employees mental health.

A lot of the suggestions made here would be great for everyone in the workplace, not just women over 50. Sometimes flexible working means that colleagues expect you to log in at all hours and answer emails any time, day or night. I would like to see strict adherence to 35 hour weeks, and no free overtime expected.

I'm with the PP who doesn't want workplaces to make allowances for me if I'm 'slowing down'. It would be good to be able to find a job which isn't as fast-paced or demanding when I find things 'too much'. I wouldn't want to deliver less for the same pay as someone who can still keep up.

I do find I need to be far more organised in terms of making sure I write things down - as my memory is now like a sieve.

Some of the changes in practice that help when workers are finding their roles or workload very demanding are good practice for everyone tbf.

Fewer meetings, more thought over deadlines, 'sprints' to avoid projects going off piste with one party in the dark, pushing back when possible etc.

To be honest I think women need the most support from on average 42/3-50

It varies person to person though doesn't it?

Fertility problems, periods/PMS, pregnancy, young children affect women from their late teens to late 40s.

Late 40s onwards, children of various ages, menopause, elderly parents, health problems etc.

Let alone any curved balls that life throws you.

sorry not read whole thread as too busy working. I'm not sure i really want lots of different treatment and people thinking i'm some oldie and need care due to menopause. Ok so i wasnt affected by the latter, but i dont want my company to think i'm going to be expensive/labour intensive/need extra time off as that would affect their perception of me negatively. One area i do struggle with is technology.....things that my kids find second nature i do need training on and also things like pivot tables, some of the pp aspects. so training i find really good, and since a load of youngsters come on these too they must as well. but i dont want to be singled out

I am 48 although look younger😁 , I am in the perimenopause stage and my concentration levels a little lower than in my younger years. Even my DH has experienced my mood fluctuations at times we make light of it with humor. Was made redundant after working for a company for 10 years which was fine had progressed as must as possible and able to take quality time out with the family. Got a nice payout and waved goodbye. Now looking at employment again am really nervous decided to upgrade my skillset with a IT and Accountancy online course and considering looking at a a job that allows me to be more freelance. Is this the path for older workers maybe if it is feasible. Although part-time roles for older workers would be useful as many have a skill set that can be upgraded or experience that may have been not fully exposed to the workforce.

I think it would be good to start thinking of ourselves positively, rather as potential costs and inconveniences to employers.
I may not be as sharp or buzzy as my youthful colleagues, but I do have loads of experience of how to solve problems, what works and what doesn't, am socially confident enough to take charge of a meeting and get everyone discussing the matter at hand. I am also very likely to stay with my employer for the long haul. These are all skills/attributes I didn't have 20 years ago.

Quite. Acknowledging that women over 50 may need some adjustments isn't suggesting that we're fragile, in need of 'special treatment' or care.

It's pointing out that with these - often minor adjustments - women over 50 can really realise their potential and be more of an asset than they already are to any organisation.

As PP have said we have the triple whammy of ageing parents, our own dependents and the menopause. Support for flexible working and assistance with wellness such as yoga or counselling could help.

And don't patronise us. Being over 50 and part time doesn't mean we lack drive and ambition. Think about what courses you offer and don't ask me if I'd be interested in a level 2 award in something I already have a Masters in.