It isn’t an easy task for any age group to find work sometimes. But workers over 50 have the most difficulty finding work of any age group. Before putting older workers out to pasture, employers should consider the benefits and skills that workers over 50 bring to the workplace.
(Photo Credit: Dark Dwarf/Flickr)
While younger workers bring their own benefits, fresh faces, ambition, energy, and new skills to the workplace, older employees are often equipped with skills that are only acquired through decades of experience. There are a number of ways that over-50s bring a significant amount of value to the workplace. Here are just a few.
It Isn’t Their First Rodeo
Employees over 50 often know their way around the office and the workplace because they’ve already been in the exact work situation for years by the time they reach yours. They may need to be trained on new features, upgrades, and techniques, but by the time most workers reach the 50-year-old age bracket, they’ve seen decades of change and know what it takes to adapt.
Experts in the Field
Older workers are often established experts in their fields. Although millennials are able to bring new, innovative ideas to the workplace, without a proven track record, it is difficult for a younger person to jump directly into a position as an expert.
Professional Office Politickers
Employees over 50 usually know how to get along with and communicate with different types of people and those in various positions throughout the workplace. Not only that, they are familiar with the importance of playing office politics and recognizing the big picture when it comes to work.
All age groups provide the office with benefits and skills. However, businesses can stay ahead of the game by mixing in workers over 50, who bring their own experience, expertise, and value to the workplace.
Tell Us What You Think
What other skills or benefits do workers over 50 bring to the workplace? We want to hear from you! Leave a comment or join the discussion on Twitter.
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