As the baby boomer generation ages, many companies will find some of their best employees retiring. Before they go, however, it’s important for talent management professionals to facilitate an exchange of knowledge between older workers and those who will remain. This is a necessary part of succession planning in particular, but it can also benefit workers who won’t step directly into a retiring employee’s position. There are many things older workers can teach younger ones, according to TLNT. Human resources professionals may wish to create programs that will connect older workers with their younger colleagues, whether through formal meetings or an ad hoc mentorship program. When planning these conversations, it’s important to determine what should be included for everyone’s sake. This can make the experience more consistent and productive. Here are some of the most important questions any conversations between generations at work should cover:
What should I know about work? Older employees have a wealth of career experience that can’t be replaced by reading or inference. While business customs and fashions have changed, and are likely to change even more over the next few years, the advice older workers can provide about thriving in the workplace is still useful. Newer hires who’ve just begun their careers may not think about the importance of sending a thank-you to clients or interviewers, or about the impression their shoes convey during a meeting. Older workers have learned to consider these factors as a matter of course. Outgoing workers are likely to have substantial counsel about all facets of the business world. Without asking, younger employees aren’t likely to learn any of it.
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What should I know about this company? Workers heading to retirement who had long tenures at the company may be able to provide a lot of insight on the way it functions. Older workers are likely to have weathered many changes and hard times at the company, and are able to give perspective to younger workers who may be feeling anxious or doubtful about the business’ future. It’s also useful for employees to know a company’s history, and how it has evolved over time. This is information workers nearing retirement are likely to have, and their younger colleagues shouldn’t underestimate its utility.
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[…] As the baby boomer generation ages, many companies will find some of their best employees retiring. Before they go, however, it's important for talent management professionals to facilitate an exchange of knowledge between older workers and those who will remain. […]