Youth is everything. The young are keen, energetical, full of ideas, cheap, they observe funny diets, go to the gym, and stroll in at 10.30am looking like shit, having cycled from the slum they call home. Then write brilliant code. But we applaud the vitality of youth; the beauty of a trim physique and a sharp brain. And we’ve got beanbags, a bouncy castle and all-day quinoa & aubergine smoothies. If the average age of our workforce slips above 25 we’re in deep trouble.
But the young are also transient. They like change and they like different opportunities. And the social media age (where looking over the fence into next door's perfect lifestyle has become an obsession) means they are constantly on the hunt for bigger, better, more and more. Increasingly they also like taking time out from their careers to do something else. I’ve been playing host to Workawayers from South America; she’s a dentist (with lovely teeth) and he’s a geologist and website designer, with well above average teeth. They’ve come to Europe for a year to find out more, and potentially settle here. They spend their work hours breaking pallets for me and rummaging around the compost heap – and seemingly enjoying it!
The truth is your bouncy castle isn’t enough and you may have to accept that whatever absurd salary & package incentives you offer, your attrition rate is going to be high.
Enter stage left a workforce that can be dedicated, hardworking, experienced, looking for a stable job, unenthusiastic yet competent, not looking for a raise every five minutes, bring their own lunch and the only benefit they want is a bit of lumber support in their chair and to go home on time. Oldies can be great on the phone with customers, know where to find a sky hook, tartan paint and a bag of sparks for the grinder.
They’ve had their families, maybe lost their soul mate, and are getting a second wind. Be respectful, be clear about what you want them to do and then let them use their considerable years of experience in supporting your business.
Final thought - the oldies can make great mentors. I've found the young can get a lot from being mentored by those with more experience. And it just kind of happens.
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