older workforce

Whose Fault?

Perhaps it isn’t anyone’s fault but a wide range of factors but the Gallup research showing 70% of people in work are ’Actively disengaged’ means we need to worry.

Is it the nature of the work?
Are the people underchallenged?
Are they mismanaged?

There is a myriad of issues. Which ones can we influence?

If you haven’t read the late David Graeber’s book ‘Bullshit Jobs’, it is worth making the effort.

Every job has boring bits, the elements which need to be done to allow us the scope to focus on the interesting aspects. Loading some people with nothing but the parts which are soul destroying will not help.

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The Over 50s are not decrepit

Despite the view of some business owners and some people under 40 years old, the over 50s and even over 60s have a great deal to offer.

Glibly we say 60 is the new 40 but there is a real element of truth in it. The individuals’ physical state, affected by food, medicine and exercise is much improved. Their mental state is even more important. Older people expect to continue to make a contribution, to be creative and to use their experience.

The 2015 film, The Intern, displayed it nicely. Robert de Niro’s character, over 70, became an invaluable employee at a Tech firm of populated by much younger people.

Most of the preconceptions about ageing are false. Is it time to think again?

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