SINGAPORE - Human resource manager Nancy Ting is turning 65 in February, but has no intention of retiring any time soon.
When she started her career in HR more than 40 years ago, she had to perform tasks manually - from scanning and sorting hard copy documents to chasing managers for their timesheets.
These days, Ms Ting, who works in cleaning and conservancy firm LS 2 Services, uses digital tools to ease her workload, including analysing data on staff performance.
She admits that the initial stages of reskilling were challenging, but undeterred, she plans on becoming a HR director.
"I am constantly looking for new challenges and a chance to contribute on a larger scale," said Ms Ting, who has served in various sectors, including logistics, defence and facilities management.
"I believe that my experience in overcoming challenges will come in handy, and I can give some advice to my younger colleagues should they face similar roadblocks in their HR careers," she added.
Like Ms Ting, many mature workers intend to work beyond 65.
More seniors here continue to be employed, buoyed by efforts to raise their employability, advance estimates released by the Manpower Ministry on Dec 1 revealed.
The employment rate of seniors aged 65 and above rose at a faster pace and is higher this year compared with pre-pandemic levels.
The employment rate of seniors went up to 31.7 per cent in June, from 28.5 per cent a year ago.
The figure this year surpassed the pre-Covid-19 rate of 27.6 per cent in 2019.
On Nov 1, it was announced that the retirement age will be progressively raised to 65 under the law, with the re-employment age going up to 70, to support older Singaporeans who wish to continue working.
Meanwhile, the national SkillsFuture movement and a strong focus on lifelong learning have given seniors the confidence to stay employed, said Dr David Leong, managing director of human resource firm PeopleWorldwide Consulting.
"With training and new skills, these seniors find themselves employable," he said.
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The Covid-19 pandemic has made it tough to bring in foreign labour, pushing employers to look for alternative sources, he added.
"Senior workers become immediately helpful," said Dr Leong.
Older workers told The Sunday Times that they would like to continue working as long as they are healthy. Many believe they can be good mentors to their juniors.
For pharmacy supervisor Adeline Loh, interacting with customers keeps her motivated.
Pharmacy supervisor Adeline Loh has been working for Unity pharmacy for 17 years. ST PHOTO: DESMOND FOO
"Every day, I get to meet different customers who share with me their knowledge and life experiences," said the team leader at a Unity outlet in Dawson Place.
"There are many uncertainties every day, and there is still so much to learn and improve on."
The 61-year-old has been working for Unity pharmacy for 17 years, starting off as a pharmacy assistant and rising to senior supervisor where she is responsible for the store operations.
Efforts to boost the employability of seniors, such as raising the retirement and re-employment ages, help mature workers like her who wish to continue contributing.
Age is just a number, she said. "As long as I am healthy and able to work, I will continue to work and share my experience with the team."
Ms Loh, whose current tasks include planning ways to drive sales and forecasting staffing needs, often sets aside time to mentor her younger colleagues, including interns and tertiary students working part-time.
She offers them tips on how to better serve shoppers.
"I feel fulfilled when I see that they have improved in their customer service skills or received compliments from customers," she said.
Mr Jalalludin Ibrahim, a swimming pool operator at Sport Singapore, formerly known as Singapore Sports Council. ST PHOTO: SAMUEL ANG
Mr Jalalludin Ibrahim, a swimming pool operator at Sport Singapore, formerly known as Singapore Sports Council, enjoys guiding his younger colleagues and sharing his knowledge when opportunities arise.
The 62-year-old, who has been with the agency for nearly 40 years, believes that experience is invaluable.
"Senior workers are sometimes better equipped to take on trickier workplace situations," he said.
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