JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Good working conditions are needed to promote the health, productivity and competitiveness of the ageing workforce. Rapid ageing working populations and the advancement of new technologies represent opportunities to create better working conditions through the implementation of technical solutions. Technological tools are the least researched organizational factor that contributes to a sustainable ageing workforce.

Objective:

This paper aims to: 1) Examine how ICT solutions in organizations promote health, productivity and competitiveness in the ageing workforce through exploring international standardization practices, collaborative research and use cases; and 2) provide recommendations and strategic guidance that benefit both the ageing worker and the organization.

Methods:

This paper reports on current and future developments in research and standardization work within the framework of international participation; presents use cases that show how ICT solutions can be translated into practice; and proposes a set of recommendations for organizations through providing strategic guidance and practical solutions to improve the ageing workforce.

Results:

Organizations need to apply ageing at work from a multidimensional perspective to optimize an age-inclusive workforce. ICT can compensate for some of the decreasing capabilities of older workers, reduce risks of hazardous tasks, and protect older workers during pandemics through working remotely. International Standards in ICT, HRM and Ageing Societies can form part of the solution to improve ageing workforces. Digitalization of workplaces, digital literacy, innovation, intergenerational collaboration and knowledge management form important elements of the planned International Standard on Age-Inclusive Workforce. Using internationally agreed ethical frameworks that consider age bias when designing AI-related products and services can help organizations to rethink their approach concerning vulnerable populations. Age bias in AI development in the workplace can be avoided through inclusive practices. Blockchain adoption workplace challenges include fear of layoffs, employee resistance due to lack of blockchain competence, worldwide adoption, support and funding. No blockchain application was found yet to improve the ageing workforce. Integrating blockchain into the Internet of Things may allow for improved efficiencies, reduce cost and resolve workforce capacity problems. Organizations could benefit from implementing or funding wearable technologies for their workers. Tools such as the Ageing@Work toolkit consists of 1) Virtual User Models and Virtual Workplace Models that allow to adapt the work processes and the ergonomics of workplaces to the evolving needs of ageing workers; 2) An Ambient Virtual Coach, using an easy-to-use interface consisting of an empathetic, mirroring avatar that makes recommendations on the work processes and the workers behaviour based on the Virtual Model. Selected use cases that may contribute to sustaining an ageing workforce are explored such as the Exposure-Documentation-System, wireless biomedical sensors and digital voice notes.

Conclusions:

The synergy of international standardization and ethical framework tools with research can advance the work in improving ageing workforces. There appears to be a momentum that technological solutions to achieve an age-inclusive workforce will undoubtedly find a stronger place within the global context and is most likely to have increased acceptance of ICT applications among ageing workers as well as organizations and governments. International Standardization, cross country research and learning from use cases play an important role to ensure practical, efficient and ethical implementation of ICT solutions to contribute to a sustainable ageing workforce Clinical Trial: Not applicable