Around 35% of construction workers are over 50, and many are expected to retire within the next decade. As the industry prepares for that shift, Craig Carney, Head of People at Seddon Construction, believes employers need to rethink how they support experienced workers in physically demanding roles.

In a new comment piece for HR Magazine, Craig explores what happens when the expectation to “work longer” meets the reality of manual work. Retirement ages are rising and the government is focused on getting more people into work, but years of physical strain mean many workers eventually reach a point where they can no longer do their job safely, however much they want to carry on.

Without a plan in place, the result can be more injuries and people leaving the workforce earlier than they need to. Craig’s answer is an “off-ramp”: structured pathways that let people move into roles that suit their changing capabilities, so the industry doesn’t lose their skills and knowledge.

In practice, that could mean rotating tasks or moving seasoned staff into mentoring, training or supervisory roles. Phased transitions and proactive occupational health support, such as spotting musculoskeletal strain early, also help people stay safe and productive for longer.

Craig Carney, Head of People at Seddon Construction, said: “When businesses proactively address these realities, they don’t just protect individuals, they retain decades of experience, insight and expertise that would otherwise be lost.”

Craig also highlights the role of honest conversations. Experienced workers often feel pressure to keep going despite strain or fatigue, which can make it harder to spot when a role has become too demanding. HR teams can help by talking openly about what good work looks like later in a career and planning alternatives before the strain becomes a crisis.

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