Working with Older Workers

The workforce is aging as baby boomers move toward retirement. Younger employees and managers need to motivate and manage older workers in a way where they can work well with others and be used to their full potential. Both generations have very different views of the other and can learn a lot from each other. Both generations need to take the lead and create the climate in which older workers will remain engaged and productive. Younger employees need to throw out all assumptions that they have about older workers. Both generations need to get rid of their stereotypes in order to work as a team. Older workers are valuable individuals just like everyone else inside the workplace. Proper communication between employees and employers is key for older workers to know their duties and be productive. Valuing the experience and expertise older workers have to offer and knowing how to manage different age groups with different needs is a major factor in working with older workers. Motivating older workers, using them as mentors, and meeting their physical security needs can prolong their time in a company while allowing them to flourish in their work field.