Singapore’s workforce is greying, with citizens aged 65 and above projected to form nearly 25% of the population by 2030. Tripartism—collaboration among government, employers and unions—offers practical solutions that keep older employees productive, engaged and financially secure.
Key Measures Under Tripartism
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- Employers can adopt part‑time roles, job sharing or staggered hours to suit older workers’ energy levels and personal commitments.
- Flexible schedules reduce burnout and help workers balance caregiving responsibilities.
- Skills Renewal and Training
- Government subsidies cover up to 90% of course fees for eligible mid‑career workers aged 40 and above.
- Employers partner with unions to offer on‑the‑job training, mentorship and refresher workshops.
- Age‑Friendly Workplaces
- Workplace redesign includes ergonomic furniture, improved lighting and accessible washrooms.
- Employers receive grants to retrofit facilities and purchase assistive technologies.
- Healthcare and Wellness Support
- Subsidised health screenings and chronic disease management programmes help maintain older workers’ well‑being.
- Union‑led wellness drives encourage regular exercise and healthy eating.
Impactful Tripartite Initiatives
- Adapt and Grow Programme
- Offers career coaching, resume writing and interview workshops.
- Connects mature workers with employers actively seeking experienced talent.
- Career Support Programme (CSP)
- Provides wage offsets of up to 20% for hiring older jobseekers.
- Covers salary support for up to 12 months, easing hiring costs.
- Senior Worker Early Adopter Awards
- Recognises employers that implement age‑friendly practices.
- Inspires other organisations to adopt similar measures.
Benefits for Older Workers
- Financial Stability
Older employees maintain steady income streams, delaying retirement until they choose. - Sense of Purpose
Continued employment fosters self‑esteem, social connections and mental stimulation. - Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer
Veteran staff mentor younger colleagues, sharing industry know‑how and workplace culture.
Employer Advantages
- Retained Institutional Memory
Experienced workers preserve company history and best practices. - Diverse Skill Sets
Mature employees bring problem‑solving skills honed over decades. - Enhanced Corporate Reputation
Companies demonstrating social responsibility attract talent and customer loyalty.
Union Contributions
- Advocacy for Fair Employment
Unions negotiate age‑friendly clauses in collective agreements, ensuring no discrimination. - Feedback Channels
Regular dialogue sessions between unions and employers identify on‑ground challenges and solutions. - Support Networks
Peer support groups help older members navigate workplace changes and personal development.
Future Directions
- Digital Literacy Boost
- Expanded e‑learning modules to help older workers adapt to new technologies.
- Hands‑on coding and data analytics workshops to open new career pathways.
- Cross‑Industry Placement
- Short‑term attachments in sectors facing labour shortages, such as healthcare and logistics.
- Trial placements build confidence and showcase transferable skills.
- Community Integration
- Collaboration with non‑profits to involve older workers in volunteer projects.
- Social enterprises offering part‑time roles that blend purpose with income.
Tripartism remains Singapore’s backbone for managing demographic shifts in the labour market. Government incentives, employer commitments and union advocacy combine to create sustainable pathways for older workers to remain active contributors. As these stakeholders deepen their partnerships, older employees will continue to enjoy meaningful work, while businesses gain stability and a wealth of experience.