Supporting small businesses to employ mature age workers

The Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations commissioned Outpost Consulting to explore whether small businesses would be more inclined to employ mature age workers if supported by targeted approaches.

We recruited 15 small businesses from the care, hospitality, and wholesale and retail industries across metropolitan and regional Australia. After establishing a baseline of each business’ policies, practices and attitudes, we implemented tailored interventions over three months, combining practical tools with support from Local Jobs Program Employment Facilitators. Final interviews and surveys measured change, and a Delphi process with experts helped interpret the findings.

None of the employers initially thought they had attitudinal barriers, but most came to realise they held assumptions that had led them to overlook mature age job seekers. Concise fact sheets, tailored local support and good news stories proved most effective. We shared the findings, including priorities for tailored, place-based support for small and micro businesses, through a webinar for Department staff and key government stakeholders.