Strengthening modern workplaces takes a lot of time, effort, and resources and is an ongoing process. However, despite living in a world of vast data, immense talent, and emerging technology, there is no real substitute for knowledge gained through experience. As a leader, you have an untapped reservoir of old-timer experience that you can use to galvanize almost any company. From transferring knowledge to task prioritization, here are some benefits.
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The Untapped Talent of Retirees
Just because someone is getting older, it doesn’t mean they are done from a workplace perspective. Of course, people in their 60s and 70s are likely to be retired, but there is a vast and untapped resource that many businesses overlook. Even if a prospective worker is in a luxe senior living facility with caring staff, they can still feel the need to contribute. For example, they can come in as a consultant, mentor younger trainees, and even take on dynamic, flexible roles.
The Transfer of Knowledge
For all the fresh and young talent a business can onboard, there’s nothing like the wisdom of decades of experience. Even the smartest kids who join your business can benefit from the knowledge that a senior staff member has to pass on. A college degree might be needed for a role, but there are some things you don’t really learn from reading books, and cannot be substituted for real-world experience, which is critical for innovation, quick decisions, and EQ.
Strengthening Modern Workplaces with Mentors
As you get older, you might feel you are still valuable as a worker and feel the need to use your experience. The experience of decades of work in a specific role is invaluable, as it can be passed down to younger teams in the same industry. Today, around 20% of the workforce is aged over 65, and up to 98% of Fortune 500 companies use mentorship programs. Tapping into wide and vast experience can be vital for helping people with disabilities secure employment.
One Hand Helping the Other
The best workers are the ones who are engaged and enjoying job satisfaction, and this can wane a little as you get older. But it can also be an issue with younger employees, too. With a combined workforce of fresh talent and experienced seniors, it can be easier to focus these skills where they are used to the best of their abilities. Experience can pick up the slack of inexperience, and modern ways of working can enhance the skills of an older employee.
When Autonomy Meets Flexibility
With experience comes the confidence to work with more agency if the job permits, and this kind of employee can be invaluable. An autonomous attitude means a senior worker will just get on with the job with as much productivity as needed, with minimal oversight. This frees up management and supervisors to get on with their defined roles without micro-managing, but senior staff typically have more time on their hands, allowing for increased flexibility at work.
Summary
The untapped talent of retired employees can be a vital resource when strengthening modern workplaces. As young talent comes in, they may also benefit from senior mentorship, and older workers will usually display an impressive amount of autonomy through on-the-job confidence.
