The design of workspaces that can accommodate the diverse workforce of today is critical. Many of the assumptions we make about anthropometry, obesity, and aging are poor estimates of the reality of today's workforce. This paper will discuss practical design solutions for workspaces serving a diverse workforce. Product design as well as office space design is dependent upon the makeup of a business and will be key for the future in helping users maximize their health and productivity while looking past current fads and politically-correct issues through ergonomic insights into the latest research and practical ergonomic solutions that can impact a diverse workforce, an aging workforce, and an obese workforce. Understanding the profile of various populations within a business organization as well as accommodations for each population is vital to the success of the organization. Learning ways in which to make these accommodations based on the knowledge of key characteristics within a population can increase the safety and protection of your company and your employees.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging, about one in every eight, or 12.4 percent, of the population is an older American. In 2006, the older population, defined as those 65 years of age or older, was 37.3 million. It is projected that in 2010 the population will grow to 40 million and by 2030 the 65+ population could grow to some 72 million Americans.
The life expectancy of an individual who reaches the age of 65 will have an average life expectancy of an additional 18.7 years. The U.S. Census Bureau has found that "the proportion of Americans with at least a bachelor's degree grew five-fold from 1950 to 2003, from 3.4 percent to 17.4 percent; and by 2030, more than one-fourth of the older population is expected to have an undergraduate degree." Not only are older Americans living longer they are becoming more educated and diverse. It is estimated that the diversity of the older population will shift somewhat from a current make-up of 83 percent non-Hispanic whites, 8 percent black, 6 percent Hispanic and 3 percent Asian to an estimated 72 percent non-Hispanic white, 11 percent Hispanic, 10 percent black, and 5 percent Asian (U.S. Census Bureau 2006).
So what do all of these statistics mean for employers? The population of those aged 65+ in the workforce is increasing and so are the risks with employing them in a business. Although older Americans are living a healthier life because of higher income, higher levels of education and greater standards of living they still face the natural aging process.
Older workers may experience age-related visual changes, hearing loss, loss of mobility and changes in muscle strength among other physiological limitations. In a workplace setting it is important to accommodate these physical changes as doing so may increase productivity and safety within a company.
