In the past, people would retire at age 65. But times have changed, and these days, people are joining companies even in their golden years.
There is no substitute for experience, which is why most organisations prefer the older generation when it comes to hiring for managerial positions.
Senior employees, however, have certain drawbacks. Potential ailments and perceived reduced stamina are just two reasons that could potentially make them less suitable for certain positions.
Here is a list of some of the pros and cons of hiring mature employees.
Pros
1. Less training required
Students who start a job straight after graduation usually require more continuous attention and guidance during their first few months.
One of the biggest advantages of hiring older employees is that they do not require as much training as younger ones, which allows the company to save time and resources.
2. Fewer mistakes
Hiring a more experienced employee should mean fewer mistakes thanks to their work experience, while a fresh grad is more likely to slip up due to lack of familiarity or confidence in fulfilling a task.
3. Greater responsibility
Because of their prior experience, mature hires can be an invaluable asset to any firm. Younger staff have a tendency to be careless or irresponsible at times, demonstrating a more casual attitude towards their work.
Mature employees, on the other hand, tend to show more dedication and responsibility, with greater focus and care when carrying out their tasks.
4. Less politics
Mature employees are typically less interested in petty workplace dramas. They tend to focus on work rather than participate in insignificant politics within the organisation.
Unlike many of their younger colleagues, they are less likely to butter up their superiors to curry favour. Instead, they will want to prove themselves through dedication and commitment to their work.
Cons
1. Lack of flexibility
Apart from the abovementioned potential ailments and reduced stamina, mature employees might be more rigid and less flexible.
Versatility is not the most common trait in a mature hire. Rather, it is more readily found in the younger generation who tend to go with the flow while learning new things, and can more easily adapt to new and changing environments.
2. Less likely to embrace tech
One of the biggest disadvantages of hiring a mature employee is that they are less likely to embrace modern technology.
More and more companies are introducing new, cutting-edge tech that a senior person might struggle to pick up. On the other hand, a millennial or member of Gen-Z is more likely to be adept with all the latest innovations.
3. Higher salaries
Mature employees tend to occupy more senior positions, thus commanding a higher salary. They are also more likely to request for better fringe benefits, and a more lucrative pension plan or provident fund than a younger employee would.
At the end of the day, every new employee should be hired on the basis of skills, merits and qualifications, rather than his or her age or seniority. Bosses should select candidates who can truly be valuable assets to the firm.
This article first appeared in jobstore.com.
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