The Older Workforce – An Asset or a Liability?
Our world is rapidly changing. New technologies, businesses, services, every day there is something new to discover. It is then essential to keep up with the times, to constantly learn, adapt and implement what is necessary. To go above and beyond the call of duty has now become a requirement as opposed to an additional bonus. Qualifications have become just another line on resumes, years of work experience rest upon good references. How does one prove that they are different from the rest?
Perhaps the answer to this can be found by looking at the older workforce for inspiration. After all they have been through many different types of challenges throughout their life and careers. In New Zealand itself we have an increased aging population. According to research from United Nations, it is estimated that by 2050 there will be over 34% of people over the age of 60 in the developed world. Thus it is necessary not to devalue the older workforce and look up to them.
The younger generation often tends to dismiss the older workforce as conservative, reluctant to change, less energetic and motivated and stereotype them as unable to learn technology. Age discrimination is a serious issue faced by the older workforce. However what the younger generation fails to realise is that the older workforce has different values, morals and beliefs that make them stand out. Older employees have been proved to be more reliable, loyal, honest, punctual and attentive. Of course many do struggle in the rapidly changing workplace but in the same way that is it unfair to stereotype millennials, it is equally as wrong to treat the older workforce with a negative perspective.
Perhaps the greatest asset we can learn from the older workforce is the power of experience. The older workforce may not be able to adjust as smoothly with the style and nature of the work environment today but they do have workplace wisdom. They are accustomed to solving problems, they know how to get along with people by dealing with issues calmly and have a strong sense of loyalty towards their job and the company. Unlike millennials they may not necessarily be motivated by factors that benefit only themselves such as promotions but instead focus on what they love about their job.
Another asset they hold is the ability to be patient. Based upon experience, they have learnt how to deal with stress rationally. They can deal with situations calmly without succumbing to emotion and slowly work through it to resolve it.
By dismissing the older workforce as old-fashioned means losing out on talent. It is a waste of people who have genuine ability to work hard, stay loyal and prove their worth. The workforce needs to support the opportunity for older workers to be given, enter and move on in their careers. They need to be given the chance to try new positions and to learn new skills. An age diverse workforce allows the company to reap the benefits from its entire workforce. Each worker brings their own talent and skills to their role and together the company work towards an ultimate goal of the betterment of the company. So next time you see an older worker, smile and take out the time to appreciate the hard work they have continued to put in to their jobs throughout their whole lives.