Through promoting diversity in the workforce, your business can reap the benefits of a diverse workforce which in turn could potentially increase the range of your customer base. One particular way to increase diversity is to encourage more older workers. In addition to the benefits of a workforce that better reflects the world at large, older workers bring with them several specific advantages that can make them a great addition to any team.
The experience which older workers possess is probably their biggest asset. They have valuable work experience as well as general experience in life. Many older workers will have worked for a significant amount of time in other industries, and may be able to draw on this experience to suggest changes to internal processes or techniques that otherwise might not have come to mind. In addition, older workers are likely to have more experience in dealing with people and may be able to handle crisis situations more calmly and appease disgruntled customers. Older employees can also take lead roles more naturally when working in teams. Experience in dealing with a greater variety of situations may give older employees more confidence over their younger counterparts.
Reliability is another benefit which comes with employing older workers. Older workers have been found by many employers to exhibit conscientious time-keeping skills, and have been found to be relatively flexible when scheduling their work hours to account for holidays, business deadlines, and the schedules of their co-workers.
Additionally, older workers are known for working continuously with a minimum of distraction throughout their workday and in general put a great deal of pride and care into their work. In fact, the behaviour of older workers can create a 'virtuous circle' that can inspire other workers to better their job performance in terms of staying on task, not taking unnecessary days off, and being conscious of their team and employer's overall needs. Older workers tend to take less days off sick which can also greatly help a business's bottom line.
Encouraging equality and diversity is good practice and at the same time can benefit your business. There are always older people looking for new workforce opportunities or to rejoin the workforce after some time away, and the unique strengths that older people can bring to your business should always be taken into account when it is time to hire new employees. You will gain recognition from both your employees and your customers for diversifying your workforce.
The experience which older workers possess is probably their biggest asset. They have valuable work experience as well as general experience in life. Many older workers will have worked for a significant amount of time in other industries, and may be able to draw on this experience to suggest changes to internal processes or techniques that otherwise might not have come to mind. In addition, older workers are likely to have more experience in dealing with people and may be able to handle crisis situations more calmly and appease disgruntled customers. Older employees can also take lead roles more naturally when working in teams. Experience in dealing with a greater variety of situations may give older employees more confidence over their younger counterparts.
Reliability is another benefit which comes with employing older workers. Older workers have been found by many employers to exhibit conscientious time-keeping skills, and have been found to be relatively flexible when scheduling their work hours to account for holidays, business deadlines, and the schedules of their co-workers.
Additionally, older workers are known for working continuously with a minimum of distraction throughout their workday and in general put a great deal of pride and care into their work. In fact, the behaviour of older workers can create a 'virtuous circle' that can inspire other workers to better their job performance in terms of staying on task, not taking unnecessary days off, and being conscious of their team and employer's overall needs. Older workers tend to take less days off sick which can also greatly help a business's bottom line.
Encouraging equality and diversity is good practice and at the same time can benefit your business. There are always older people looking for new workforce opportunities or to rejoin the workforce after some time away, and the unique strengths that older people can bring to your business should always be taken into account when it is time to hire new employees. You will gain recognition from both your employees and your customers for diversifying your workforce.
About the Author:
360 diversity is a resource which assists UK organisations in appropriately managing diversity in the workplace. For additional information and to view their free demonstration pay a visit to www.360diversity.com.
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