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There’s often a misconception that older workers are ‘set in their ways’ and less adaptable to change – and yet, research shows that around 30% of people who are 55 and over actively want to improve their skills but feel unable to ask for help. Pair this with the fact that 34% of these employees are dissatisfied with developmental opportunities, and what you find is an opportunity for employers to boost the productivity, engagement, and overall satisfaction of their older workers.
Workers over 50 make up a third of the UK workforce and 19% over 65 currently working in the US, so it’s more apparent than ever that midlife workers bring just as much to the table as their younger counterparts – in addition to more varied and deeper experience. However, with the increasing pace of change, learning and development opportunities for older workers has been inconsistent, but is paramount in taking their knowledge and transferable skills to align with the needs of the workplace today and tomorrow.
I believe the best and most efficient way of identifying and supporting areas that midlife workers want to develop is through the use of coaching.
Employers and employees can sometimes fall into the trap of believing that coaching is only available for those in certain positions or those with potential to be in those positions, but this isn’t the case. Coaching is a way, either on an individual basis or as a team, to help employees of all ages to discover more about themselves, how to work at their best and how to overcome obstacles.
If we look at midlife workers in particular, there are many benefits for offering coaching:
Coaching midlife workers is a worthwhile investment for now and the future, as the return far outweighs the cost when matched and managed well. Here at OrgShakers, we have a wide range of experience when it comes to the inclusion and optimization of your midlife employees as we see how much potential these workers have. Everyone just needs the right support and opportunity to be able to share and build on their knowledge and experience.
If you would like to discuss the coaching and inclusion services we can offer in more detail, please get in touch with me at joanna.tippins@orgshakers.com or through our website here.