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For years, pundits have warned about impending labour shortages as the baby boomer generation – those born between 1946 and 1964 – begin reaching retirement age. Rather than risk losing some of their most experienced and knowledgeable workers, many companies are encouraging older employees to stay on the job. Flexible work policies and workplace accommodations such as assistive technologies are convincing ageing workers that there is no need to drop out of the workforce yet.
Some companies are adapting their policies and work environments to make it easier for older workers to remain a vital part of the workforce. Such adjustments include flexible work schedules, changes in roles or responsibilities, training programs to develop new skills and elder-care services to support workers’ elderly parents.
Assistive technologies also can help retain workers who are beginning to experience age-related changes in their vision, hearing or dexterity. Some functional losses are accelerated by the onset of degenerative diseases and ailments. These types of changes can affect a person's capacity to use and interact with computing devices and environments. By using technology that counters the impact of these conditions, workers can continue to be productive well into their senior years.
For example, a person experiencing the painful effects of rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from using a keyless keyboard and speech recognition software. These simple and inexpensive technologies allow a knowledge worker to perform routine tasks with a computer that otherwise might be difficult because of a debilitating condition.
Computers provide a range of accommodation
Companies like HP and Microsoft are addressing the needs of the ageing workforce by making computers easier to use through accessibility features and compatibility with assistive technologies from leading vendors. Seniors aren't the only ones who benefit, though.
"You don't have to be over 60 years of age to need some kind of accommodation in your work environment,” says Michael Takemura, director of the HP Accessibility Program Office. “People who have hit 40 find they need reading glasses, or they begin having difficulties with their hearing or dexterity. We all encounter situations where we need a work environment that adapts to our needs."
Often, there is no need for any specialised technology to accommodate a worker’s computing needs. HP engineers and design teams are exploring ways to enhance accessibility, productivity and user comfort. For example, our L1950 19-inch and L1750 17-inch LCD Dual-Hinge Monitors can be adjusted to different heights, letting workers who wear bifocal, trifocal or progressive lenses to position the monitor so that it is easy for them to read.
Software, too, can help accommodate workers’ needs. Microsoft® Windows® Vista® includes built-in accessibility settings and programs that can make it easier to see, hear and use a computer. The accessibility settings and programs in Windows Vista may be particularly helpful to people with visual difficulties, hearing loss, pain in their hands or arms, or reasoning and cognitive issues. The major accessibility features in Windows Vista include:
There are various types of assistive technology products specially designed to provide additional accessibility to individuals who have physical or cognitive difficulties, impairments and disabilities. For example, someone who is experiencing hearing loss might find it helpful to use an assistive technology like iCommunicator, which translates speech to text or video sign language in real time.
HP can help individuals and employers select the right assistive technology. The HP Accessibility Web site directs visitors to pages that provide detailed information about some assistive technology vendors and organisations specialising in information technology access. HP has also partnered with EnableMart to provide custom-configured HP desktop and notebook computers that include assistive technology. EnableMart also provides technical support for the full HP solutions.
Who knows? As more mature workers fill the office cubicles, the most popular computer accessory could one day be something like a screen reader or a speech synthesiser.
Get more information from these sources:
» The HP Accessibility Program
» EnableMart All-Access Workstations
» Microsoft Accessibility
» The HP Safety and Comfort Guide
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Windows Vista is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. |
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