New Research Highlights the Importance of Workplace Interaction for Employee Performance
Receiving feedback and support from colleagues significantly enhances the performance of older workers compared to their younger counterparts, according to a study by David Patient at Vlerick Business School and his research team. The findings suggest that fostering a supportive work environment can be particularly beneficial in maintaining motivation and productivity among an ageing workforce.
The Impact of Social Support and Feedback
The research, conducted in collaboration with experts from Catolica-Lisbon School of Business and Economics, Instituto Universitario de Lisboa, and the University of Waterloo, aimed to understand how to keep older employees engaged and productive in the workplace. The study also examined how these factors influence younger workers.
To achieve this, the researchers carried out a three-part study involving over 450 participants of different age groups over a three-week period. Participants were asked about the social support and feedback they gave and received in their workplace and how this impacted their performance.
The study found that receiving support from colleagues had a stronger positive effect on performance for older workers than for younger ones. Moreover, the act of giving social support also benefitted older workers more, with this positive relationship becoming more pronounced from the age of 43 onwards. While both younger and older employees showed improved performance when receiving support, the benefits increased significantly with age.
The Role of Feedback in Workplace Performance
Feedback played an essential role in performance improvement across all age groups. However, the study found that giving feedback had a unique effect while providing feedback had no significant impact on younger workers’ performance, it led to noticeable improvements for older workers.
The findings align with demographic shifts in the workforce. As Professor David Patient and his co-authors explain: “With increasing life expectancy and declining birth rates, workers aged 55 and above now represent the fastest-growing segment of the workforce. Meanwhile, fewer young professionals are entering the job market, with the potential workforce projected to shrink by 10% between 2020 and 2050.”
These changes present challenges for HR managers, who must develop strategies to keep older workers engaged, motivated, and productive throughout extended careers.
Creating a Positive Work Environment for Older Employees
The study highlights the importance of workplace interaction in ensuring older employees remain active contributors to their organisations. Many older workers face social exclusion at work, and managers should prioritise fostering a positive, inclusive culture that encourages interaction among employees of all ages.
A structured approach to workplace collaboration can help address these challenges. The researchers suggest that initiatives promoting teamwork and interdependence, such as reverse mentoring schemes, could be highly effective. These programmes allow older and younger employees to learn from each other, creating opportunities for mutual growth and strengthening workplace relationships.
As organisations adapt to an ageing workforce, this study provides valuable insights into how social support and feedback can play a crucial role in boosting employee performance, particularly for older professionals. Investing in a collaborative, inclusive workplace culture can ensure that businesses continue to thrive amid demographic shifts.
