There’s no quick fix to the staffing shortage plaguing Central Otago and beyond in 2022, with post-pandemic staffing levels leaving many businesses teetering on the brink of survival.

One way businesses can help address hiring issues is by letting go of their unconscious biases, like those around age.

Many roles are advertised at a skill and pay level that we might not necessarily think will interest an over 50-year-old. Plus, words like “dynamic,” “enthusiastic” and “energetic” in job ads make us think of younger people. Such assumptions are an example of unconscious bias.

We might assume, for example, that “physically demanding” roles exclude older workers, but I know plenty of 60-year olds that could run rings around most people!

Valuing over 50 year olds requires rethinking how we value people. Google innovatively launched a Human Capital program back in the 1990s focusing on the competence,

knowledge, values, and the innovative potential of individuals. Human capital also incorporates the well- being of the individual.

Whilst many people over 50 remain career oriented, others have achieved everything they set out to do. People’s needs and wants change in line with the lifestyle they desire – they may value personal well- being over money and responsibility.

They may no longer want the stress of owning a business, managing multiple departments and staff, or earning the big bucks. They’ve already been there, seen it, done it and now opt for a balanced lifestyle over hectic pressure and stress. Some have simply always preferred to be a “do-er” than a “visionary”.

Whatever the reason an over 50-year-old is sitting in front of you requesting that you hire them, consider their competence, knowledge, values, and innovative potential without considering their age.

Would your business benefit from this over-qualified or over-experienced person’s human capital?

Would your other staff benefit from learning from a team member like this? Can your business afford not to take that kind of opportunity?

Challenging our unconscious bias in the workplace can help us to make better decisions for our businesses by bringing diversity to the workplace and encouraging innovation through multiple perspectives that reflect our customer bases.

So…what’s the average age of your last staff hires?