National Seniors Australia recently launched a new membership category, the Corporate Employee Program, for those companies keen to retain their workers aged 50 and over.

The program is available to large and small enterprises and offers employees membership of National Seniors Australia, which allows access to discounts, social opportunities, a free magazine subscription and access to senior-specialist insurance and travel services.
 
National Seniors chief executive Michael O'Neill said providing National Seniors membership to older employees was a simple, effective and practical way to reward and show appreciation for older workers.

"Recent research funded by National Seniors has revealed that as workers get older, their motivations change," said O'Neill. "They're not as motivated by either monetary benefits or career opportunities but are much more altruistic and are also looking for job benefits that reflect their needs."

Joining one employee to the program costs $29 annually. Early adopters of the program include Allianz Insurance and the University of the Sunshine Coast.
 
O'Neill added that employers were facing an alarming reduction in the pool of experience, skill and wisdom bound up in their valued older staff, with a tidal wave of retirements looming as the oldest of the baby boomers reach their sixties.

"Employers are facing the reality that the workforce is ageing, and, unlike in the past, there will not be a steady stream of youngsters to replace them. Smart employers are already taking steps to retain mature age employees by introducing innovative programs and systems, such as the National Seniors Corporate Employee Program," he said.

With almost 300,000 members aged 50 and over National Seniors is the largest consumer organisation for older Australians. It is the fourth largest group of its kind in the world.