Resources
Thinking Out Loud
Tackling the issues that confront 45+ experienced professionals looking for work or wanting to start a business
Older women navigating bias and sexism in the workforce
Research suggests that, proportionally, the likelihood of an employed woman being a business owner increases with age. In Australia, more than two in five women business operators are aged 40-54.
Debunking the myths
Myths about mature-age workers contribute to negative stereotypes that limit their opportunities. Constantly debunking these myths in a range of forums is necessary to encourage employers and younger people to think differently about their older colleagues.
The modern career – it’s all about freedom to change direction
The idea of a linear career is being disrupted. The traditional career trajectory is changing as workers, especially those of mature-age seek opportunities to move in new directions.
Book Reviews
Books we love about work, transitions and life long learning
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There is plenty of information out there about starting a business if you want to troll through the internet. What we love about this E- book is that it brings all the elements together in one place in quite a unique way. Each chapter is based on an interview with an expert in the field of the issue…Read more
Research
The latest research on the changing face of work and senior entrepreneurship in Australia
Workplace Innovations We Love!
New Zealand businessman, Andrew Barnes, lifted productivity in his business by reducing his employees’ workday week to four days while maintaining their normal five day pay. His business saw a six per cent increase in productivity and 12.5 percent increase in profitability when he permanently introduced the policy. A four-day week has been shown to increase engagement and commitment to the business and life satisfaction, reduce stress levels and help attract the right talent.Â
Thrive@55 is a fantastic 8 week paid internship targeted at older workers in the advertising industry. The internship is being offered by Thinkerbell, which describes itself as an agency that brings together scientific enquiry and creative thinking. The agency is concerned about the “massive” underrepresentation of the 55+ age group in the industry. Internships are available across a broad range of skills from account management to design.
An incidental innovation that has occurred as a result of the pandemic is working from home. We don’t love Covid-19 but we do love the fact that it has helped organisations overcome a “significant hurdle” to remote working. Benefits of working from home according to research undertaken by Swinburne University of Technology, include not having to commute, greater flexibility and financial savings due to reduced travel.
Flexible retirements, return stints and retiree ‘pools’ are a win-win for experienced professionals and companies. The big question is – why don’t we see these more of these innovative approaches implemented in the workplace? This HBR article is an oldie but a goodie full of options worth considering!