GIVING NEW MEANING TO WORKING OVERTIME

Source: The Straits Times

If you are 60+, retired and wondering if you might be too old to seek re-employment, you would be heartened to know that there are folks in their 70s and 80s who are still putting in a good day's work AND enjoying it.

Meet some of these older adults who are still passionate about what they are doing.

• Prof Shanmugaratnam, 88, histopathologist - "I will work as long as I am able, as long as I am needed and as long as I have nothing better to do."
• Mrs Teresa Jodhi, 74, midwife - "I never dread going to work. Never. Mothers are so happy when we give them their newborn baby. I also get to keep my relationships at work."

 Mr Seng Lee Fong, 82, and Mr Sani Mokjie, 64
  

 Mrs Nancy Goh, 71, and Mrs Herminia Ilano, 72
• Mr Sani Mokjie, 64, chief inspector of posts - "I work to share my experience."
• Mr Sin Leong, 83, Mr Hooi Kok Wai, 76, both master chefs - "Having responsibilities gives meaning to your life... When you work, your brain won't die. You won't get dementia."
• Mrs Herminia Ilano, 72, cello teacher - "When you enjoy what you do, your body is not tired. Your calling doesn't stop when you are old."
• Mrs Nancy Goh, 71, beautician - "It's a good idea to have a balanced life with work and also time to enjoy the fruits of my labour."
• Mr Seng Lee Fong, 82, club bartender - "Meeting people, chatting with members keep me alert and active."

Not all young workers are thrilled with the government's legislation for the Re-employment of Older Workers. Perhaps they should look at the situation from a more positive point of view. They don't need to support their working parents!

Would adult children deny their parents the right to be happy, productive and financially independent?

(All photos and quotes from The Straits Times.)

AN OPTION FOR OLDER WORKERS: TO BE RETIRED OR REHIRED

Click to enlarge. Source: MOM's newsletter WORKING

Older workers in Singapore have reason to celebrate May Day today. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has implemented not one but several best practices to encourage companies to rehire older workers.

There is the ADVANTAGE! scheme that offers a grant of up to S$400,000 to companies that re-train and re-employ workers aged 62+. Next up is the Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices (TAFEP).

Two of TAFEP's publications

For a one-stop resource centre, there's the Re-employment Portal where employers and employees can look up more information on legislation, workshops, conferences, funding schemes and view video clips of companies that have successfully implemented age-friendly practices at the workplace.

In the week running up to May Day, print ads like the one above appear daily in the local papers. Such ads help to project a positive image of the older worker.

Legislation on re-employment of older workers will only come into effect in January 2012, but the long list of companies already signed on for early adoption of the policies is a clear indication that the millions spent on the campaign is bearing fruit.

For a print version of PM Lee Hsien Loong's May Day message, click here.

PREPARING TO RE-HIRE OLDER STAFF

Harnessing silver talents for business advantage (Photo: http://preparecommunity.com)

Singapore is pulling out virtually all the stops in preparing for a rapidly ageing society. The latest in a series of initiatives undertaken jointly by the public and private sectors is the web portal at http://www.preparecommunity.com/. Set up by the National Traders Union Congress (NTUC) and the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (Asme), the objective is to help small businesses get ready for the re-employment laws Singapore will introduce in 2012.

While the finer details have yet to be worked out, these laws will require companies to re-hire their workers when they reach 62. The portal provides a wealth of information to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) draft their re-employment policies well ahead of 2012. It also serves as a learning platform for companies to network and learn from other companies how to leverage on the experiences of older workers as a valuable manpower resource.

Click here to read the full story. Photo: The New Straits Times

In Malaysia, the cakes-and-cafe chain, Secret Recipe, under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, has 50 job vacancies reserved for senior citizens in need of steady employment to cover their living expenses. Kudos to Secret Recipe! They deserve our patronage.

There may be other similar CSR initiatives, but a check of the Ministry of Human Resources website revealed nothing in the pipeline for the re-employment of older workers.

Well, if ever I needed to seek re-employment, I know where I would be welcomed and appreciated!

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Older Workers, Please Apply