A topic that was hot a few years ago was the aging worker. Newer topics have since bumped the discussion on the aging worker off the front page. But, the aging worker has not disappeared. For me, the topic is very relevant as I “walk a mile” in those shoes. Recently, I have had some abrupt realizations about being an aging worker. These events have affected how I work and how I can add value to work.
To maximize value, two things need to happen. Firstly, the aging worker needs to understand how aging impacts their work. Secondly, the organization needs to understand the aging worker. This blog is not written as a scientific piece, but as a personal reflection. When the worker and the organization understand the aging worker, adaptations can occur. Adaptations can lead to success for both the worker and the organization.
Here are some of the things I have learned and how they have added value to my work and to Kn/a HR.
Aging Worker – No More Midnight Oil
In the past I actually looked forward to working on reports at 2:00 a.m. No one bothered me. I could get into a flow that was second to none. But, I don’t have the stamina or energy for that anymore. Yeah, I have learned to be more organized and on top of things so I don’t have burn the midnight oil. Better planning and organization is a value added for me and Kn/a HR.
Don’t Do It Twice
Now to be clear, I never liked to do things twice but now I have even less tolerance for it. This has brought the greatest value to Kn/a HR. I am taking more time to coach, pass on my knowledge, and set up systems so we don’t have to do things twice. This has also added transparency and more sharing so that we are more efficient.
Quality not Quantity
Time is about quality and I want to focus on certain work streams more than others. The value to the organization is I am passing work I would have done in the past to others. This is giving them the opportunity to learn and shine. The value to me is a great personal reward for the work I do.
Aging Worker – Better with Age
Like wine, I like to think that I am getting better with age. The value to the organization is my expertise. This translates into delivering what the client needs. As I have gained experience, I have gained confidence. This confidence flows to the client. It allows them to be comfortable with changes that occur as a result of our services.
Better at Some Work
I have learned there is some work I am much better at. It has been interesting to learn that about myself and critical that I accept it. I want the team and our clients to have success, and for that to occur I must understand my limitations. The value to Kn/a HR is other team members can fill in the gaps, and as a team, we build on team member strengths.
Aging Worker – “No” is Not a Bad Word
I have always known that “no” is a perfectly acceptable word. And now I understand this even more. I need to manage where I spend my energy, what work I want to do, and then work within my limitations. I need to determine where can I add value, when I should say “yes”, and when I should say “no”. Sometimes this is the tricky part. With honest feedback from my team and honest dialogue with myself, I can recognize where I can add value. I am learning to say “no” when I cannot. Saying “no” allows me to be more successful. I support others to do the same, and support the best Kn/a HR team member doing the work.
Sometimes I Forget
This is a bit of an inside joke as my memory has never been great. But as I age, I find that I am forgetting more. So, rather than forget, I’ve decided to use some good processes and technical systems. The value is recognizing the benefits of using these systems. They ensure that we are keeping key information and tracking key milestones. The key is that you have to have the discipline to use the systems and processes.
The biggest challenge I have found, is accepting the change. Now, by no means am a ready to stop working, but for Kn/a HR to be successful, I must adapt and acknowledge that I am an older worker. Organizations can leverage the value of aging worker by:
- providing a safe space so aging workers can explore the changes they are experiencing,
- recognizing the adaptation that need to happen,
- assigning work that leverages the aging workers’ strengths,
- allowing them to coach younger team members,
- helping them to say no when they need to, and
- having systems in place to ensure tracking information and file retention.
At one point I was not an aging worker, and surprise, surprise – I became one. Aging workers add invaluable experience to the organization. Their knowledge provides an invaluable advantage.
Leah Knibbs is the owner of Kn/a HR Consulting. She has a proven record of accomplishment. You can reach Leah by email here.