The title of this article and much of the substance will almost certainly have potential for actions against it following the introduction of the Age Discrimination Legislation as, in the title alone, it could be thought by some to be discriminating against younger people.  It is not intended as such and an explanation of that occurs within the article.  It should therefore be read, swallowed and destroyed before the 1st October 2006! However, here goes;

Wrinklies are Good For You!

There has historically been a range of worries about the recruitment of more venerable persons and often these are felt more strongly when it is relevant to senior management positions.  Some of the often stated ones can be listed and perhaps investigated.

No sooner here than they retire!

Given the depredations of pension reserves in the last few years, the majority of us have less to look forward to than we planned and at the same time we have a longer life expectancy.  The end result of that is often the need to go on working longer than planned.

Even if you think a person may be with you for less than 5 years, to be truthful, how clearly can you see what your company will be like in 3 or 4 years and what range of skills and experience it might need then?

They are more prone to sickness and not fit enough for a hands-on roll in the smaller company

Clearly, the older we get, the more prone we are to health deterioration.  However, today’s older generation seems to be less prone to the growing problems of obesity – the major killer disease.  At the same time, they tend to value their health, and their hobbies are often just as physically demanding as the younger generations.

You cant teach old dogs new tricks and they are out of touch with technology

Your senior managers in their 50’s saw the typewriter move to being an electronic one; they saw the introduction of the first computers into business; effectively, they have done nothing but learn new tricks all their lives!  They have also, more importantly, seen product failure acceptance rates move from – say – 5% to an expected target of zero parts-per-million failure.

Competitive Spirit is dulled by old age

Generally, the older generation are just as competitive for their business as ever.  They sometimes come across as a bit more realistic about the high hopes or dreams not immediately connected to reality!  They are naturally less competitive for their personal career advancement than when they were younger.

So what are the advantages

Dispelling objections is not really making the case because fundamentally, “wrinklies” are good for your company and they can come very interestingly packaged for work.

We are meeting a growing cohort of older generation (50+) who are ready to adopt a more flexible approach to what they do and where they do it.

Quite a few existing or former Directors and Senior Managers have added to their wealth as a result of early retirement financial packages; redundancy with excellent packages following corporate mergers or acquisitions; significant overseas periods with corresponding enhanced earnings.

At the same time, their personal financial commitments have declined.  Mortgage is paid off, children’s education is finished, a spouse is enjoying a part-time role or return to work, etc.

They find themselves financially secure yet sensible enough to see that an enjoyable and extended old age can be enhanced by increased financial reserves.  They have painted the house twice, mown the lawns too often and are now, frankly, bored.  They miss the communal world of business activity.  They want to continue to be able to “make a difference” in a corporate entity.  They are less interested in catching the plane to China every other week.  They will settle for a much lower income rate than they were used to command.  They will work part time or accept comparatively short term, interim, project based responsibility.

And their brains, experience, skills and knowledge are all there for your company to exploit.

But don’t, whatever you do, ignore the young!

You simply must have a mixed age range in your company.  You must be bringing in young people, fresh from school and University.  They bring with them all the hopes and interests of youth and the zeal and determination to achieve.  They need, respect and benefit from good cheerful advice and mentoring from your wrinklies.  Above all, they are our (and your) future!

22nd September 2006