As people live and work longer, organisations must rethink career longevity and how they integrate senior talent into the modern workforce. By 2040, it's projected that 40% of workers in G20 countries will be aged 50 or over. This trend presents both challenges and opportunities for organisations.
Enaging and retaining senior employees isn’t just about offering a job - it’s about leveraging their expertise, providing flexibility, and creating meaningful roles that align with both business needs and individual aspirations. Still, many companies overlook the value that experienced professionals bring to the table.
So how can companies ensure that their senior workforce remains engaged and productive?
We see that experienced professionals over 50 bring valuable benefits:
We often see that professionals over 50 are unfairly judged due to common stereotypes.
By challenging these misundestandings, companies can tap into a wealth of experience and skills, fostering a more robust and dynamic workforce.
Companies that successfully engage and retain senior talent recognize their evolving needs and offering flexibility. We have observed several key strategies to ensure that experience remains an asset rather than being lost:
Flexible work arrangements
Incorporating senior employees as interim leaders offers organisations the flexibility to navigate critical periods effectively. These experts bring a wealth of experience and can swiftly address complex challenges, ensuring business continuity and success.
Career development shouldn’t end at a certain age. Organisations should create opportunities for experienced employees to continue learning and growing.
Proactive recruitment of senior talent
To recruit senior talent, it's essential to take a proactive and inclusive approach. By focusing on diversity in experience and promoting an age-inclusive culture, you can attract skilled employees.
By offering flexible work options, meaningful career paths, and opportunities for sharing knowledge, you can tap into the full potential of your workforce. Retaining and engaging senior talent shouldn't be a hidden asset but a clear competitive advantage. Let our consultants help you find the right mix of employees to guide your organisation forward.
At Birn+Partners, we help companies design strategies that foster a thriving multigenerational workforce. Whether it’s career advisory, executive search, or leadership development, we work with organisations to ensure they attract, retain, and engage top talent—at every stage of their careers.
Reach out to our experts and get guidance on building a strong, multigenerational organisation.
Lars Holm Anna Maria Nicotra Herma Ober- van Hienen Linda llolander Vermund Nilsen