KEEPING UP WITH THE OFFICE

Research reveals that older workers have accumulated knowledge that is hard to replace. But according to a recent Wall Street Journal story, lagging technical skills are one reason job-loss rates for experienced older workers 55+ have exceeded those for younger workers by a growing margin for the past decade (Bureau of Labor Statistics data).

So, what are you doing to keep valuable older workers up to speed with workers in their 30s or 40s? This is not just an academic question. Generational conflict in the workplace can really impact morale and profitability. One of the tools some firms are using is “reverse mentoring” asking younger works to mentor older ones in new technology.

Good question for your staff meeting next: How can we make sure that everyone is comfortable with embracing change and new technology?