The ‘head in the sand’ approach to management has never worked, yet thousands of organisations are doing just that by not recognising the disaster that is unfolding right before their very eyes. If it hasn’t already, it will have a huge impact on business within the next few years unless action is taken, right now. Those born between 1946 and 1965, known as Baby Boomers will leave the workforce in droves in the next few years. The Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Social Trends says that between 2011 and 2030, the large generation born between 1946 and 1965 will be aged 65 years and over. When such a large number of people leave the workforce it will only exacerbate the skills shortage business is currently facing.
How can you harness Baby Boomer’s skills before it’s too late?
You can:
- Review your policies and identify how you can benefit from this age group.
- Retain mature age workers in your workplace.
- Hire Baby Boomers when you need to get someone new.
- Offer them part time and flexible working conditions.
- Get them to mentor younger employees.
- Find out what other organisations are doing.
- Harness their skills, abilities and knowledge before they retire and forget about 65 being the age to retire because many Baby Boomers want to continue working for a lot longer than that.
Harnessing this generation of worker’s skills can be a win-win situation for you, your business and for the Baby Boomer generation because they have ready-made skills, experience and maturity. Many of them have ached to retire because they’re exhausted but after 12 months of it, they’re over it and are bored stiff. With the current economic conditions they may also need to top-up their savings.
Merydith Willoughby is an international award winning Organisation Development Consultant. She delivers services to Australia and USA. Her second book Sex in the Boardroom has just been released. Click here for more information.