ICT and older workers: no unwrinkled relationship

Purpose - The purpose of this research is to find out to what extent older workers make use of ICT and to what extent this influences their job performance. Design/methodology/approach - Workers of various age groups are surveyed in two sectors: printing industry and wholesale trade. The use of (various types of) ICT is compared for a number of age groups, controlling the influence of other explanatory variables and correcting the fact that older users are a selective group. In the next step, the use of ICT is one of the factors explaining performance. Findings - The results show that, compared with younger workers, older workers make less use of ICT in their job, use less complicated applications and have more difficulties in using ICT. This is to their disadvantage as the use of ICT and particularly the level of use appear to affect performance positively. Research limitations/implications - The research is concentrated on two specific sectors which are forerunners in the field of ICT. A generalization of the results is therefore most applicable to industries and jobs in which ICT plays an important role. Practical implications - The results suggest that company policies can be of help in dealing with the problem. However, the provision of formal training in ICT has no significant effect. Originality/value - Contrary to what is often done in this type of study, the level on which ICT is used is taken into account. Moreover, direct indicators for performance are used instead of wages. Particularly for older workers wages may not reflect productivity.