Benefits of the “Gray Head”

by Robin ONeill

It appears the American Indian and Asian immigrants have cornered the market on recognizing the overwhelming advantages to overcoming age discrimination. In fact, one might even ruminate on the distinct bonuses to hiring an older worker.

The advantages include:

• workers who are amazingly loyal, efficient and dedicated to the job
• lower absentee rates and less sick calls
• willingness to work weekends and holidays
• lesser needs for benefits, due to Medicare and Medicaid
• the wisdom that comes with age
• a connection to the largest segment of society
• broadening parameters of employees of other ages
• a glimpse into our future, should we be lucky enough to get old

As a person who retired at 46, due to disability, I deal with older Americans on a daily basis. I have been retired for 8 years. During this time I have learned so much about older citizens. I started my time with other retirees in a different mind set. I found humor, frustration, and a distinct air of superiority were my main guidelines for daily encounters with these “older than me” people.

I go to a pool daily. I was adrift in a sea of gray-haired people. I was just stuck in the world of what I referred to as “the elderly”. I was not happy.

In these past few years I have grown to love and respect my gray headed friends. I am continually touched by their compassion, caring, and “full of life” attitudes. I look forward to seeing my older friends and find I now often choose to socialize with them. I play cards, eat lunch and share recipes with men and women alike from the retiree group.

Employers often begin an employee search with the age group of 15-20 years of age. The reality is there are many similarities between a young teen and a retiree, including:

• supplements to their income, parents for the younger people and retirement, Medicare and SSI for older Americans
• willingness to work for lower wages
• ability to work menial jobs
• willingness to train

And, with an older American, you rarely deal with:

• continual personal phone calls
• irate ex-lovers showing up at work and making a scene
• a need for prom night off
• acne as a illness
• embarrassing piercings and tattoos
• unexpected pregnancies

When I opened my heart, my mind followed. I now would happily hire many of these older folks to work for me. I am not blind to the fact that older adults, like all age levels, have some rather unpleasant characters in the ranks. I have taught people ranging in age from pre-school children to adulthood. Every level has its advantages and disadvantages. Its heroes and its carrion.

Recognize the advantages of hiring a “gray-head”.

About the author: Legacy Business Cultures and its partners have been the experts in helping shape organizational culture around the world for over 14 years. Our workshops, train-the-trainer programs, and employee climate surveys have touched thousands of organizations and millions of employees, managers and leaders across the world. If your organization is ready to develop culture as a strategic advantage, call us at 888-892-0300. We’ll help you get there faster than anyone. Author's Website