Are older workers really that adept at remote work, especially where technology is concerned? You bet they are.

Right now in the US, there are an estimated 36.2 million people working remotely, an increase of 16.8 million workers since before the pandemic[i]. It’s a trend that was already impressive prior to pandemic-induced remote work – a Global Workplace Analytics study shows that remote work has been increasing, growing by a surprising 216% from 2005 to 2019[ii].

And while millennials make up the majority of remote workers in the workforce (36.5%), an impressive 16% of remote workers are aged 55 to 64 and 10.7% are 65 and over[iii]. These older workers are proving that they are more than up for the task of using technology to contribute to their organization’s success.

It’s a giant misconception that older workers are less likely or inclined to adapt to new technology. Fact is, many of workers over the age of 50 were on the job during the first days of business technology and throughout all the various iterations of tech tools. Technology has made it possible for workers to streamline what was once paper-laden, admin-heavy tasks. Older workers have adapted – and thrived – as technology has shifted operations to a more efficient environment.

Now that many boomers eye retirement, they’re reinventing what that will look like, and technology is playing a part in that. A strong majority of older workers prefer to seek remote contract work. With good reason – remote work has allowed millions of workers to extend their careers well into retirement. Removing location requirements has helped employers, too. One study reveals that workers who have full schedule flexibility report 29% higher productivity levels and 53% more ability to focus than their colleagues who have no schedule flexibility[iv]. 

That flexibility allows retired workers and those with health concerns to contribute. Retired workers in particular can refocus their skills in a more supportive role, thus bringing a wealth of experience to smaller organizations that might not otherwise be able to afford them.

Technology is making it possible for older workers to connect with and mentor their younger colleagues. Collaboration tools help connect remote workers with in-office workers, making teams stronger through shared expertise.

Older workers are not strangers to technology. In many cases, their careers evolved alongside the tech tools that their companies have relied on. Retired workers who want to re-engage in the workforce through a remote position is a bonus for any organization. They’re tech-savvy, highly skilled, and eager to contribute to the success of their teams and their employers.

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[i] Upwork Study Finds 22% of American Workforce Will Be Remote by 2025 | Upwork

[ii] Latest Work-at-Home/Telecommuting/Remote Work Statistics – Global Workplace Analytics

[iii] 50 Eye-Opening Remote Work Statistics for 2024

[iv] Executives feel the strain of leading in the ‘new normal’ – Future Forum