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An evaluation of performance by older persons on a simulated telecommuting task
Joseph Sharit1, Sara J Czaja, Mario Hernandez
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine, 1695 NW 9th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA. jsharit@miami.edu
Summary
Telecommuting improved older worker performance, with the oldest adults showing the most significant gains in a simulated customer service role. Further training strategies are needed for specific task challenges.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Workforce Management
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- The aging global population necessitates strategies for retaining older adults in the workforce.
- Telecommuting offers a flexible work arrangement that could benefit older workers.
- Understanding the performance and training needs of older adults in telecommuting roles is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of different age groups of older adults in a simulated telecommuting task.
- To identify potential age-related differences in learning and performance during telecommuting.
- To inform the development of effective training strategies for older teleworkers.
Main Methods:
- A simulated customer service telecommuting task using email.
- Participants: 27 younger older adults (50-65) and 25 older older adults (66-80).
- Task duration: Two 2-hour sessions daily for 4 consecutive days.
Main Results:
- Both age groups demonstrated significant performance improvements across sessions.
- Older older adults exhibited more pronounced improvements in many performance criteria.
- Challenges remained in meeting certain task performance requirements for both groups.
Conclusions:
- Telecommuting is a viable work strategy for older adults, with potential for significant skill development.
- Training programs should address specific difficulties encountered by older teleworkers.
- Tailored training strategies can enhance the success of older adults in telecommuting roles.