On the concept of extending physical and psychological employability and its political impact on shaping a positive attitude of the public to older employees

Abstract

Subject. The extended physical and psychological employability of older employees is based on the paradigm of successful ageing, which involves replenishing age-related deficits in the organism by means of such functions as selection, compensation, and optimisation. However, in real life these functions face barriers erected by both parties of labour market relations: ageism amongst employers and a lack of confidence amongst older employees. Developing a concept of step-wise extension of employability of older employees is a significant component of the Russian strategy implemented in the interests of senior citizens.
Objectives. The article attempts to formulate conceptual framework for extending physical and psychological employability and its political impact on shaping a positive attitude of the public to older employees. It also confirms the hypothesis that on the national level, there has been a shift to a new understanding according to which staff ageing and successful employment of older workers is viewed as a required condition for overcoming new social issues caused by demographical changes, i.e. a longer lifespan, changes in the lifestyle, and the ageing of population.
Methodology. General scientific and empirical research methods were used to achieve the objectives. The method of analogies or the transfer of knowledge from one subject of study to another, which constitutes the essence of the method, was used to develop the idea of the possibility for older employees to remain efficient is influenced by an ecosystem factor and to study the coexisting paradigms of efficient staff ageing and “sporting”. The analysis method allowed determining the detailed characteristics of factors affecting the professional and personal efficiency of older employees, as well as social and biomedical risks that arise in the process of ensuring and achieving labour efficiency. The method of synthesis was used to combine different elements of analysis to form a paradigm and a concept. The method of observation allowed developing the idea of the array of information which characterises the phenomenon of labour shortage caused by staff ageing and transformation of the values of younger generations. The method of systematisation was used to identify four risk groups associated with comprehensive changes with regard to health, physical activity, and psychological and behavioural peculiarities.
Results. The article presents conceptual framework divided into sections dedicated to: the shift in the paradigm of labour efficiency of older employees; a change in the scientific understanding of the phenomenon of staff ageing; professional labour efficiency of older staff; conventional and new factors of employees’ professional efficiency; social and medical risks related to the realised efficiency potential of older employees; the possibility of ensuring older employees’ efficiency; channels of political impact; concepts aimed at shaping a positive public attitude to older employees.
Conclusions. The concept presents a new comprehensive view of the extended employability of older employees, which is demanded by the economy and is socially possible. It is based on the idea that it is necessary to slow down staff ageing which is influenced by three main elements: society, the internal labour market, and older employees. Labour achievements are presented in the concept as a cumulative indicator of the ability to perform work, work regulations, and readiness to achieve goals. Professional efficiency risks for older employees are stipulated by the labour market situation, social issues, and the health of the ageing workforce. The paradigms of efficient staff ageing and “sporting” can co-exist if the older employees are singled out into a specific category, for which adjusted methods of staff management, potential assessment, and ecosystem thinking are used.