Ron Tustin - Older Workers (What You Said)

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“It’s a very funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.”
William Somerset Maugham.

In April I talked about some of the issues facing the workplace as the population gets older. I also asked readers a few questions and I would like to thank all those ‘GrownUps’ who sent them back to me. This month I would like you to hear what people said.

People’s stories were varied but there were some common messages that came through.

Older Workers' Value

Everyone could see the value of keeping older workers in the workforce, such as -

• Greater experience and wisdom in managing problems and doing the work

• Enormous potential to mentor younger colleagues, not only in work skills but some times this will flow over into general life skills

• More credibility with customers

• Being more prepared to go the ‘extra mile’ in their work

Only a very small number of people said they were given options such as reducing their hours and sometimes people left as they felt their contribution was no longer valued or the workplace had changed so greatly (such as with more takeovers, a succession of new managers) that they did not wish to stay. Some commented that the handover to other people was often not well managed.

Advice About Retirement

In that April article, people were asked about the advice they would like to have received about retirement. Firstly almost without exception people were not offered any advice. However of the employers who replied some were asking what type of information would be helpful.

Some of the things that people are asking for are:

• Getting your finances sorted – what you will need for up to 30 years of retirement, the best options for you such as a company scheme, Kiwisaver, or your own scheme such as property development

• Preparation for moving to a life with more free time, such as what hobbies and interests will you pursue, being a volunteer, ways to keep your mind as well as your body active

• Valuing the wisdom and experience of older people generally. This will not only improve productivity in work places but more people will be able to contribute by working part time or volunteering.

Business Owners and the Self-Employed

Some of the problems that self employed people may face are different again.  In some cases retirement was forced on them such as by a family illness and there was very little chance to plan, others talked about the need to take time out before the actual retirement.

Once again I would like to thank those people who have replied. I will be using every chance to talk to employers and others about your ideas. There is obviously a huge gap between what we are looking for in workplaces before we retire and what is actually offered. Your answers have started the process to build a bridge across this gap.

Remember it is not too late to have your own say.  You will find the questions in my April article and I look forward to hearing from you.

Ron Tustin
Revive and Thrive Coaching
www.reviveandthrivecoaching.com
info@rtc.org.nz
Ph 0800 003679

Motivating baby boomers to see the world with fresh eyes.

“It’s not just your knowledge, experience and skill that make you hot property, it’s the fact that you’re in better shape than any generation before you. You have the same energy and drive you had 30 years ago. Why on earth would you want to waste such fantastic assets? “

Published 28th May 2009

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