Utilizing the Older worker

 

To utilize the 'older worker' one has to realize that the 'older worker' has many qualities that are not adherent in the Gen X'ers of today. These qualities are loyalty, experience, dedication, problem solving abilities, and a realistic attitude. Too many times the 'older worker' is seen as either 'not knowing' or 'too involved in themselves' – Why?

The Genesis of this began between 1885 to 1905. During this period of time the peoples of Europe/Western Europe began to come to America in droves in search of Freedom, chance at a new life and better economic times than they had in the 'old country'. When these immigrants settled in they were proud of who they were, they were rugged, and they were ready to start building a life for themselves. They realized that at certain times they needed to lean on each other and at times could very readily do for themselves.

When these people started having their families they passed on all these traits to their kids plus – self-reliance, know who you are and don't be ashamed of it, make sure you put in a full days work for a full days pay, don't forget to help one another. These kids would be called the 'greatest generation' the ones that would grow up to defend America in the second World War. After the war they came back strong and proud, and industrious.

In between 1905 and the 1930s – the educational system in America would start. The basics were taught and the rest was taught from the parents. Not too many would be able to go to college, However these kids would do the best that they could do and most of it turned out to be very good with the experience that would be had would last a lifetime.

These returning adults from the war started having their families and these kids would become the Baby Boomers, and again our parents would instill all of the previous traits into us. By this time – the late 40s/early 50s the educational system would make major leaps with schools and colleges growing and colleges becoming more affordable.

Us Baby Boomers would now be taught and trained better than our parents and we were in the workforce by the late 60s.

Then something would happen in the 50s that would be made manifest in the 60s that would change everything and that was the introduction of the computer. Although this would be a major milestone for people and America and the world – it would also be the beginning of the 'downfall' 'problems' for the 'older worker' of today. As I have stated in 'plight of the older worker' not too many business owners would either adopt or understand this new 'technology' and in time the older worker of today would be left in the lurch because they weren't being taught the 'new' technology.

In the mid to late 80s another concept was starting to take hold and this was a total redefinition of the 'team concept' that companies needed. I actually remember reading an article that 'now' it was wrong to have 'alpha' people in your company – you now had to have 'team players'. It is now wrong to have sturdy independent people who could think on their own and get the job done – now you had to include all people(which in itself is not wrong) however wouldn't you want to have people who could think and problem solve?

Another item that was started was this 'positive mental attitude' way of thinking – no longer could you be 'real' now you had to be 'positive' and only 'positive thoughts' allowed.

What happened to cause this. I firmly believe it was us Baby Boomers who wanted a better life for our kids and our kids kids and failed to teach them what our parents had taught us. We encouraged our kids to go to school and get the best education possible and with all the advancing technology us Baby Boomers who didn't/couldn't follow were left behind. Teach us computers But get and older person who not only understands all the latest but understands how to teach the 'older worker'.

Now seemingly all of the 'older workers' self-reliance, experience, dedication to the job, strength of character, loyalty are not even being considered or valued because of these 'new' ways of thinking. If we don't think 'positive' all the time we are not hired. If we refuse to work with others who may not have the experience we have we stand the chance of being fired. If our young co-workers don't show up on time or call in sick – we may have to take up the flak.

What has to be done – The bosses/young bosses of today have to realize that us Baby Boomers have a lot to contribute – we built the companies that are strong today - we may not be up on all the latest advances in technology But we can still problem solve and we will get the job done. Let us think real on the job and let our experience help you the owner in solving the problems.