Lazy managers are failing to get the best from their older workers because they neglect their training and performance appraisals, according to a new study.

Not only could they improve skills and performance – but failing to address these issues could lead to discrimination claims.

With the scrapping of the default retirement age, older workers are expected to make up a larger percentage of the workforce, so organisations need to learn how to manage them properly, says the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Less than half of workers aged 65 and over (46%) have a performance appraisal at least once a year, compared to two thirds of employees under 65 (65%).

Around 44% of employees aged over 65 have either never had a performance appraisal or have not had one for at least two years. The average for other employees is 27%.

Older workers are also much less likely to learn new skills – with 51% of the over 65s reporting they received no training in the past three years, compared to an average 32% across other age groups.

Dianah Worman, diversity adviser for the CIPD, said: “The survey finds too many older workers are currently neglected in the workplace when it comes to training and performance management, with some employers perhaps assuming older staff are nearing the end of their working lives and need less attention.

“The removal of the default retirement age will rightfully put a stop to lazy management of older workers, with employers forced to maximise the talents of an ageing workforce.

“Failure to address poor performance of older workers may also pave the way for discrimination claims following the phasing out of the default retirement age if there is a dispute over capability.

“Employers should treat all employees fairly at work to ensure they get the best out of all staff, whatever their age.”

The findings were disclosed in a report Employee Outlook: Focus on an Ageing Workforce that looked at performance appraisals for 2,000 workers in public and private organisations.

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