The Value Older Employees Bring to Your Organization

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“The future is now, old man!” says Dewey from Malcom in the Middle. And he’s partially right; technological advancements have transformed practically all the aspects of our lives, especially how we work. But does that mean older employees should be overlooked for younger talent? Not necessarily. There are a number of key benefits that older employees can bring to your company or organization which younger employees may not. 

1. Experience and Wisdom

One of the most important things an older employee can offer is general experience and wisdom. Maybe they’re not up to date on the latest Tiktok trends or Gen Z slang, but in terms of office expertise, they are the champions. Chances are, an older and more experienced employee will have far greater insight into problem solving and strategy when it comes to business. Remember, they’ve seen it all! As Mark Twain once said, “history doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes,” and the same is true for the world of work. This so-called “knowledge transfer” doesn’t just apply to the business itself; older workers can serve as mentors for younger employees. This can do wonders in terms of nourishing corporate culture as well as honing key skills in your younger workers.

2. Strong Work Ethic and Higher Retention

I won’t get into any generational beef here (Baby Boomers versus Millennials versus Gen Z) but there are some differences when it comes to employment. For example, a study by Vantage found that only 25% of employees 50 years or older took sick days, whereas nearly 50% of workers aged 20-30 missed days due to illness. Not only that, but the Center for Disease Control found that older workers are more likely to cooperate with colleagues and supervisors, and are less likely to misuse company time! (Sorry, Gen Z). So, despite the common misconception that older employees are less efficient or more prone to being sick, the numbers show otherwise. Another common misconception with older employees is that their memory and thought-clarity isn’t all that it once was, and yet the truth is nearer to the opposite. As we age, we retain something called “crystalized intelligence,” or knowledge and skills we acquire over time. According to the CDC, crystalized knowledge in seniors is usually stronger than that in younger employees. A solid foundation of knowledge based on years of experience can lead to increased work efficiency along with less training time required.

3. Older Workers are a Growing and Untapped Talent Pool

While employers may be hesitant to consider older workers as valid candidates, there is no denying the growing talent pool consisting of senior employees. In fact, the number of people over the age of 65 in the workplace has doubled over the past 35 years, as per the Pew Research Center. Additionally, the same study found that 62% of older employees are working full time, as opposed to 42% in 1987. And this trend isn’t slowing down—2024 is set to see more Americans turning 65 than any year in history.

These numbers highlight the availability of skilled, seasoned professionals eager to contribute. By embracing this group, companies can access a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and expertise that might otherwise go untapped.

To Sum it up

Older employees aren’t just experienced workers—they’re invaluable team members who bring wisdom, reliability, and a strong work ethic to your organization. By focusing on their strengths and recognizing their potential, you can create a workplace that benefits from their unique insights and contributions.

The future may be now, but older employees prove that success is built on a foundation of knowledge, experience, and collaboration. Don’t let outdated stereotypes hold your organization back—embrace the incredible value that older employees bring to the table!

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