The Impact of an Ageing Workforce on Employers in Hong Kong: A Study of the Service Sector

Hong Kong is ageing rapidly when compared to many countries in Asia, Europe and North America (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Population Division, 2015). There are concerns that the ageing of the population, alongside the low birth rate, will exacerbate the existing labour shortages and compromise economic growth. In order to maintain productivity, address skills shortages and meet labour market demands, there may be a need to extend working lives. Government is looking at unleashing the potential of older workers and has raised the retirement age in the public sector – with an anticipation that the private sector will follow suit. However, despite government encouragement, older workers continue to be subjected to workplace age discrimination and negative stereotypes.