12.11.2025

Longer careers call for new kinds of support

The UK workforce is getting older, and manufacturing is still working out how to deal with the change.

More than 70 per cent of manufacturers now have employees working beyond state pension age, with one in four continuing for five years or more after retirement.

This is reshaping how employers think about health, wellbeing and career planning. It is no longer just about extending working life, but about making those extra years sustainable, rewarding and productive.

How to deal with an ageing workplace

Manufacturing relies on experience and expertise, and as more employees choose to stay in work longer, that experience becomes both an asset and a challenge.

Employers are finding that supporting older workers is vital for productivity and continuity. Flexible working, wellbeing support and inclusive workplace design are becoming essential parts of workforce planning.

At the same time, employers need to think carefully about succession. When experienced staff eventually step back, knowledge transfer and mentoring are key to ensuring skills stay in the business.

What employers should do next

  1. Prioritise health and wellbeing: Proactive occupational health and wellbeing support help employees stay fit for work longer. A healthy workforce is more productive and engaged.
  2. Plan for succession and knowledge transfer: Build mentoring and coaching into your talent management strategy. Encourage experienced staff to share their expertise and develop the next generation of leaders.
  3. Create age-friendly workplaces: Review your policies, processes and culture to make sure they support employees at every stage of their career. Flexible working options can make a big difference in keeping people connected and motivated.
  4. Rethink organisational design: Consider phased retirement, redesigning roles or offering flexible transitions for employees nearing retirement. Planning ahead helps maintain capability and reduces disruption.

How Make UK can help

We help manufacturers create workplaces that support people through every stage of their careers.

Our support includes:

  • Health and wellbeing programmes that promote safety, resilience and long-term engagement.
  • Succession planning through talent management, including mentoring and coaching for knowledge transfer.
  • Employee engagement and inclusion strategies that build age-friendly cultures and flexible working policies.
  • Organisational change support to plan for phased retirement, role redesign and evolving capability needs.
  • Training on managing generational diversity, helping leaders understand attitudes, communication styles and motivation across age groups.

We work with employers to keep their people well, connected and contributing for longer.

If you want support creating a workplace that works for every generation, get in touch. 
Email [email protected] or call 0808 168 5874.