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Emerging Issues

We hear about it all the time – the American workforce is getting older. But have you considered how the aging workforce will impact your business in terms of keeping older employees safe, healthy and productive on the job?

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, of the approximately 300 million people in the U.S. today, 63 million are over 65 years of age, and seven million of those are still working. But the population shift isn’t the only driver of the aging workforce – extended careers, the economy, second careers and longer life expectancy are other factors. With this demographic shift comes the challenge for employers to create a safe and healthful work environment that takes into account some of the characteristics that come with aging, such as:

• Joint and physical mobility

• Visual ability

• Hearing ability

• Reaction time

• Strength

• Balance

• Endurance

2. Aging Workforce

Still, older workers have much to contribute, which is why Zurich wants to help you make your company be a place where they can work safely and productively. The following is a self assessment worksheet that allows you to assess your company’s “aging worker risk” level. Also provided is a link to additional Zurich resources that may offer employers solutions and a more comprehensive approach to the aging worker.

Additional Reading

• The Aging Workforce: Is Your Business Ready?

• What’s Your Aging Worker Risk Level

16 This is intended as a general description of certain types of managed care services available to qualifed customers through Zurich Services Corporation,

an individual member company of Zurich in North America. Zurich Services Corporation does not guarantee a particular outcome, reduction in costs or improvement in administration and further assumes no liability in connection with the providing of these services. ©2011 Zurich Services Corporation

Zurich

1400 American Lane, Schaumburg, Illinois 60196-1056 800 382 2150 www.zurichna.com