The global pandemic caused many Baby Boomers to prematurely retire from the workplace.
Organisations lost experienced and knowledgeable employees with little opportunity to implement phased handovers, resulting in talent gaps and skills shortages.
Early retirees often failed to adequately plan what they would do with their time and talent in retirement and lack clear direction and purpose.
Where previously agism existed, opportunities are now emerging for retirees in diverse occupations such as nursing, teaching, administration, truck driving, store stackers and hospitality to re-join the workforce creating a win-win for employers and individuals.
Employers are bringing retirees back “for their expert knowledge [47%], to mentor current employees [22%], or handle long established client relationships [15%]”. The International Business Times article [20/1/22] also highlighted the desires of currently employed Baby Boomers to have a “flexible work schedule [79%], a consulting role [66%] and reduced hours [59%]”. Neglecting their desires for greater work life balance would be perilous to an organisation’s future and requires sensitive discussion.
Baby Boomers having the fled the 9-5 grind, organisational politics, and unfulfilling work roles, are open to balancing their retirement desires with flexible work arrangement. They are seeking a flexible work schedule, meaningful contribution, and the ability to earn an additional income to for instance, take the grandchild to the Gold Coast.
In preparing to re-join the workforce, retirees should recognise key strengths and areas of positive engagement from which to contribute. Set availability boundaries e.g., two or three days of work. Thus, providing balance to contribute to family or community needs, while developing interests that will later assist in the transition to a fulfilling full-time retirement.
The benefits employers gain from reengaging retirees are reliable, mature, experienced workers, with an excellent business understanding, who are quickly able to contribute. While some technology upskilling can be required, this can be more effective than investing time and resources to find new, untried candidates.
Retirement employment is a win win for individuals and employers.
Merilyn Hill – Retirement Life Coach woocommerce-243135-748018.cloudwaysapps.com