The island’s ageing population and “acute labour shortages across multiple sectors” underscore the need for businesses to retain Bermudian staff aged 65 and older, the Ministry of Economy and Labour announced in a policy guide for employers.

The 19-page Retaining Bermudian Workers Aged 65+ Policy Guide for Employers, which notes the island’s “significant demographic challenges”, echoes the conclusions of the ministry’s 2022 position paper, Addressing the Challenge of an Ageing Population.

The ministry said the document was aimed at helping “retain, re-engage and support Bermudian workers aged 65 and older as part of a broader national strategy to strengthen the workforce”, using “practical tools drawn from global best practice”.

Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, added: “To maintain a strong economy and ensure continuity across essential services, we must retain the skills, knowledge and mentorship capacity of our older Bermudian workers.”

Options include phased retirement and structured re-employment, part-time work, skills-based hiring, the removal of age-biased recruitment language and using continuous training as well as mid-career reskilling.

The document highlights mentorship and job redesign, as well as opportunities for second careers and consulting roles. It also provides metrics for businesses to build age-inclusive practices into workforce planning.

The ministry said the guide supported succession planning, lower turnover and stronger business performance.

Mr Hayward emphasised the value of older Bermudians’ leadership, institutional knowledge and longstanding client relationships.

He added: “Retaining even a small fraction of this talent significantly strengthens our workforce.

“Age inclusion is not just a social good; it is a strategic economic imperative.”

The guide can be found at the ministry’s website.

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Retaining 65+ Workers Guide.pdf

• To read the guide in full, see Related Media