Hiring young and talented people can be considered as an easy task. As applications are in bulk and the young population has better command on leveraging the latest technology. Whereas the case with recruiting and retaining those over 50’s can be different.
HR’s and managing teams need to attract and retain employees over 50. Following are a few strategies that can help in retaining and attracting those of this age demographic:
While focusing on recruitment, inclusivity plays an important role. While creating a job description along and mentioning the age group can be a great idea. Removing any sort of biases that can happen while conducting and leveraging techniques like blind recruitment and AI tools to avoid age - related biases. Focusing on the skills rather than age guides the whole process in the right direction. Posting job roles on platforms that are widely used by those over 50.
While trying to attain some of the main problems that may occur is age gap and communication styles. Making those who are aged welcomed and wanted in the workplace without highlighting the years of life is something to take note of as people make the workplace. Conducting activities that includes involvement of every age demographic from the workplace.
While recruiting new employees keeping the age in mind and being an empath works in favor. Expecting people in their 50’s to be just as active as people in their 20’s is impractical, so to deal with this, organizations can come up with a flexible and comfortable workplace. Flexible job location options such as work from home or a hybrid mode and even remote working can work wonders for this concern.
For any age group it is important to keep upskilling the same goes for those over 50. Companies and organizations can create upskilling and learning programs where everyone can learn something new. Conducting programs and events that promote reverse mentorship which basically allows young employees to teach elder employees and vice versa. This will not only help an interactive session to take place but also create a sense of understanding and respect in the work field.
Encouraging employees over 50 to learn and know basic technology to leverage it to their benefit. Organizations should use technology that is handy and easy to understand which offer user friendly interfaces and are not very complex to grasp. With time as technology advances keeping up with it may become tough, hence providing a clear and judgment free environment becomes important. Considering the age providing ergonomic chairs and screen readers to support physical health is just another step at fostering a healthy work environment.
A workplace is made of several age groups coming together. With such diversity in the work environment it becomes important for individuals to maintain a respectful equation with those working along with them. For example, while discussing and taking decisions, considering everyone’s opinion with equal understanding becomes important. Just because someone might be young doesn’t make them wrong and just because someone might be older doesn't make them right. As understanding and respect is a two way thing. Maintaining work ethics no matter what an individual's position in the office is.
People at the age of 50 or above have many reasons to work and many to not work. Some may think of retiring and some may even think of trying something new or follow a past passion that was left behind. People in this age demographic bring abundance of experience with them hence being respectful and thorough in retaining and recruiting is crucial.
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