A survey hit the headlines recently and caused controversy, rightly in my view, for suggesting that the age of 57 might be too old to start a new career or indeed be eligible for any kind of new role in the workplace.
It’s hard to know where to begin with such a negative thought process, but it’s safe to say that my own view is diametrically opposed to this opinion. I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with clients over the last 25 years who wholeheartedly buy into the significant benefits engendered by workplace diversity. They find any kind of discrimination abhorrent and massively counterproductive to the overall aim.
Creating a healthy and exciting business, capable of sustainable growth
Discrimination is not only a crying shame for the individuals concerned, but also the organisation in question loses the game-changing dynamic of providing a workplace that does the right thing. By putting women on boards or in significant roles, bringing in or retaining older workers who have valuable levels of experience and nous, or promoting young people who are ready for responsibility and new challenges – all these things have an incredibly positive effect in making the whole business healthy, exciting and capable of sustainable growth, which we all need for our continued wellbeing.
Benefits of continuous learning and professional development
I write and speak as often as I can these days about the benefits of continuous learning and professional development. Only this week I gave a short presentation to a local networking group of professionals on the benefits of learning a language to ward off the effects of mental problems such as Alzheimer’s, which of course, is often associated with older people. This seemed particularly pertinent coming so soon after World Mental Health day. However, I can also claim a personal and professional interest, as languages and export have formed a large part of my working life. As I enter my three score and ten this month, I would not like to be written off just yet by a recruitment consultant or anyone else for that matter.
Of course, you would have to ask others if my coaching has any value, but as long as people are prepared to listen, I will go on telling my story. Do something new, stay on the pitch, help others and you will find energy where you maybe never expected to find it.
Curiosity and flexibility are key
If we’ve learnt anything by the recent experiences of living through or with Covid, it’s surely how to put a proper value on life. How to treat each other with humanity and to value what everyone can bring to the table. The greatest human assets are often not visible to the naked eye, but show enough curiosity and flexibility to consider what’s happening under the surface – or in a mind which may not perform brilliantly 100% of the time – and we will all reap the rewards of such perseverance and faith.