HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – The Bermuda government on Wednesday released a policy guide for employers regarding the retention of workers 65 years and older as part of a broader national strategy to strengthen the workforce.
“Bermuda’s demographic reality is clear, we are an ageing society with a shrinking labour pool. To maintain a strong economy and ensure continuity across essential services, we must retain the skills, knowledge, and mentorship capacity of our older Bermudian workers,” said Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward, adding that “this guide provides employers with the practical strategies they need to do just that.
According to the Ministry of Economy and Labour, the “Retaining Bermudian Workers Aged 65+ Policy Guide for Employers” is a comprehensive resource designed to help organisations retain, re-engage, and support Bermudian workers aged 65 years and older.
It said that Bermuda, like many advanced economies, is experiencing significant demographic change, with an ageing population, a declining birth rate, and acute labour shortages across multiple sectors, increasing the urgency for employers to adopt age-inclusive workforce practices.
The ministry said the document outlines a range of evidence-based approaches that employers can implement, including phased retirement and structured re-employment, flexible and part-time work options, skills-based hiring, the removal of age-biased recruitment language, and continuous training and mid-career reskilling.
It also outlines measures for structured mentorship and knowledge-transfer programmes, job redesign and ergonomic adjustments to support productivity, as well as opportunities for second careers and consulting roles.
In addition to strategy guidance, the document includes sample policy wording, implementation steps, and success metrics to help organisations build age-inclusive practices into their broader workforce planning.
“Workers aged 65 and older contribute reliability, leadership, institutional knowledge, and long-standing client relationships. Retaining even a small fraction of this talent significantly strengthens our workforce,” said Hayward, underscoring the essential role older Bermudians play in strengthening the workforce and urging employers to take an active role in addressing the island’s demographic challenges.
“Age inclusion is not just a social good; it is a strategic economic imperative. Demographic change affects every business in Bermuda, and I strongly encourage employers, HR leaders, unions, and industry partners to review this guide and incorporate its recommendations. Building age-inclusive policies today will help secure a more stable and sustainable labour market for the future,” he added.
The Ministry of Economy and Labour said it will continue working with employer groups, unions, and industry stakeholders to support the adoption of age-inclusive practices across the economy.
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