Promoting the value of elderly labor in the digital age

Mr. Le Quang Trung, the elderly currently account for about 15% of the country's population. How do you assess this labor resource in the current labor market?

In my opinion, the elderly - the working age - are a "treasure" of human resources and we must think of ways to exploit this value.

Vietnam currently has over 16 million elderly people, most of whom have experience and knowledge, many people have positions, are trained, are trained, have contributed time and they also really want to work.

People who are still capable of working even more want to bring benefits to society, to businesses, to organizations and to themselves.

Sir, are the current mechanisms for elderly workers to continue working convenient?

For me, elderly workers are a treasure of human resources, how to make elderly workers use all their abilities to contribute to their families, to society, to the community through labor, through their own working efforts is a very big issue that needs to be concerned about.

The law, the Labor Code as well as the Employment Law have affirmed that the elderly are workers. The issue is how to value the elderly so that they contribute their abilities to society and the country.

I believe that from a legal perspective, the Law on Employment has also stipulated many contents to support employment for the elderly; the Labor Code also pays attention to elderly workers. However, we still need to study more deeply so that the community, businesses and the elderly themselves can change their awareness and work appropriately like all normal labor groups.

We can build programs like "second life" so that older workers can access labor market information, access training programs, and labor supply services. More importantly, for businesses to recognize, properly evaluate, and attract older people to work.

Another aspect is the units that organize job services. I want them to have forecasts on the issue of employment for the elderly, and organize private job fairs for the elderly.

According to you, what do the elderly need to do to participate in the labor market in the current context?

For the elderly, I want them to always be ready, not afraid of age. It is necessary to identify what is missing and supplement that. For example, in terms of training, fostering, and improving knowledge so that the elderly can meet the requirements of the labor market.

Elderly people also need to have a very serious and receptive attitude in training and improving their qualifications.

To find job opportunities and promote their strengths, elderly workers need to proactively implement specific orientations.

Take advantage of and transform life experience into "soft capital". The greatest strengths of older workers are composure, discipline, patience and experience accumulated over many years. Focus on applying for jobs that promote these strengths such as: consulting, community management, quality supervision, customer care or service jobs that require high trustworthiness.

Proactively "eliminating illiteracy" in basic digital skills: Elderly workers do not need to become technology experts, but are required to get acquainted with digital communication tools, work management applications and use smartphones. Openness in learning technology helps them narrow the gap with the young workforce.

Change thinking and maintain an open mindset: When working at an older age, it is necessary to be ready to adapt to a multi-generational working environment, respect the new corporate culture and accept income levels and job positions suitable for actual health.

Personally, based on practical experience, I always believe that the elderly are an extremely valuable resource for businesses and the labor market. Even, this is a treasure trove of human resources that we need to value, use, and utilize in a scientific and harmonious manner so that workers, businesses, and society can all benefit.

Thank you, sir.

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