Mature workers in Singapore receive more help in career planning

Senior Minister of State for Manpower Koh Poh Koon noted at the launch of the guidebook that the initiative is vital to support Singapore’s ageing workforce – around 25% of resident workers are over 55 – and ensure that older people are prepared for longer careers. 

“If we look at a worker who starts working in his early 20s, and retires at 65 years old, by the time he is a mature worker at 45, he is only halfway through his career,” he noted. 

“So, the real challenge is not in raising the retirement age, but in making sure that our workers continue to reskill themselves, in order to remain relevant to business and industry needs.” 

Dr Koh added that the best way to do this is for employers to talk to staff at regular points in their careers to help them develop the skills they need.  This is where the guide comes in, as it helps bosses to start these conversations in a structured manner from the time a worker turns 45.

It provides a checklist for workers to state their priorities as they mature, such as whether they want the same job role, expect the same income and if they have other concerns. 

READ: Less Singaporeans switching jobs mid-career

The guidebook was launched by the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) in partnership with the Ministry of Manpower. SNEF also collaborated with companies to pilot the guide, according to The Straits Times.