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Should Workplaces Be Re-Defined To Retain Older Tech Workers? (wired.com)

Posted by EditorDavid on from the retiring-retirement dept.

rgh02 submitted this article from Backchannel which argues companies "need to work harder and more persistently to attract, retain, and recognize talent" -- especially older talent: We "elders" know perfectly well that our workplaces are by and large not about us. We don't drive how roles, functions, advancement, and success are seen. Career development options and the hierarchical career ladders everyone is expected to climb are designed for the majority: younger workers. What can be done? There has to be a systems overhaul...
The article suggests restructuring workplaces with "individual contributor tracks" which reward people who don't go on to become managers, as well as things like paid mentoring positions and "phased retirement" programs that create part-time positions to allow a more gradual transition into retirement.

5 of 312 comments (clear)

  1. manifesto by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Elderly people (>65 years old) make up 14.5% percent of the population in the US, yet approximately 2.7% of the workforce (http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/06/20/more-older-americans-are-working-and-working-more-than-they-used-to/ ).

    Clearly the underrepresentation of elderly people in the workforce needs to be compensated for because of our collective bias and discrimination against them.

    Thoughts, Sundar Pichai?

    1. Re: manifesto by PopeRatzo · · Score: 3, Funny

      Back when I decided to lose 50 pounds I discovered that the key is to find something you really enjoy. For me that was trail hiking.

      For me, it was hiking the block and a half to the Italian beef stand. Had to take an Uber home, though.

      --
      You are welcome on my lawn.
  2. Re:No by Applehu+Akbar · · Score: 4, Funny

    Older workers should adapt with the times, not vice versa. That's the only way progress will be made.

    AC because I have a feeling the downmod from some pissed off old geyser is coming...

    This is what happens to an old geyser that was famous for years but is now past its prime:
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

    His kid Strokkur gets all the attention now.

  3. Re:No by ZecretZquirrel · · Score: 2, Funny

    Eating them, and maybe even spelling a few correctly.

  4. Personal responsibility by Snufu · · Score: 4, Funny

    These people chose to be old. Nobody forced them. Hold people responsible for their decisions.

    Damn nanny state.