Friday, May 23, 2008

Is aging an issue or an advantage?

According to an article in the HR magazine "Keep pace with older workers"; older workers bring experience and research shows they are equally productive as young employees. Older workers have much lower turnover because of increased loyalty and stability and would be satisfied in their jobs.

Interesting statistics of a store suggests that turnover was six times less for workers over 50 than for those under 30. Further research shows no correlation between age and job performance.
Thus employers could make the work environment more pleasant to the aging workers by understanding their needs, providing them with essential training and helping them adapt to change.
By understanding aging, employers can make mature workers even more productive as well as simultaneously leverage upon their experience to build a legacy of their own.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

I think that younger and more mature employees aren't necessarily better or worse, but rather complements. Younger employees have more time to move jobs, can take more risks, and have more to learn. Mature employees are in a position to offer tutelage to the younger employees. If companies focused on bridging the gap, perhaps by a mentor program based on years experience, maybe those companies could retain younger workers for longer while investing in them as more productive and informed workers.

Unknown said...

I think that younger and more mature employees aren't necessarily better or worse, but rather complements. Younger employees have more time to move jobs, can take more risks, and have more to learn. Mature employees are in a position to offer tutelage to the younger employees. If companies focused on bridging the gap, perhaps by a mentor program based on years experience, maybe those companies could retain younger workers for longer while investing in them as more productive and informed workers.

Unknown said...

i think a mix would be the best combination in most situations.

thanks.
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Unknown said...

Aging should not be an issue it should be an advantage. The older employee has not only work experience to share with other employees, but life experiences as well. Older employees should be mentors of younger employees and paid for this service.

Elinda

vanhire said...

Aging is not an issue. Rather, it is an advantageous factor for younger employees. Older employees can share their experience & knowledge with young ones & they have their life experience as well. This is positive point. New & fresh employees can make them know about new technology & help them to adapt change. Thanks for sharing this article with everyone. Keep It Up !!

salesroles said...

very informative
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Unknown said...

very good article and i like it.

Unknown said...

This is a very interesting article especially considering the issues of ageism in hiring. It can be difficult for older applicants to gain positions that they could excel in due to employers preferring younger employees even when they are less qualified then older candidates.