“More companies should consider mature workers” says business director

However, Simon Thompson, Director and Co-founder of ConferencesGroup, the umbrella brand for the UKs top venue finding services Conferences-UK.org.uk, ConferenceVenues.com and CorporateDesk, is encouraging employers to look at the benefits of incorporating more mature workers into their workforce and the positive impact they can have on the employees of tomorrow.

Whilst some companies resist employing workers over the age of 50 because of misplaced preconceptions, Simon believes his more far-sighted approach of working to recruit, retain and otherwise engage employees in this age bracket and beyond, is the key to successful, happy and more cost effective personnel. “Many of the stereotypes that prevent employers from hiring and making good use of older workers are merely myths, and whilst I still recognise the need and importance of recruiting young, fresh and enthusiastic employees, I equally advocate workers that bring on board a lifetime of skills and experience to their job” says Simon.

Not only is 10% of ConferencesGroup staff over the age of 50, some, such as Jan Cearns and Stan Posner, have been specifically employed only within the last few years to enhance the ConferenceGroup team with their skills and knowledge. Stan Posner, who joined the company after holding a number of senior positions at hotel groups such as Swallow Hotels and Hanover International, comments “the company are extremely open minded which was of great benefit to me when I was in need of a new position. Being aged 18 or 60 shouldn’t matter if you are capable and I felt I was employed based on what I could bring to the business and not judged on my age. I have also learned new skills from younger team members as I hope they have from me.”

According to Simon, more businesses need to recognise the diversity and richness that comes with employing more mature members of staff which he believes are generally highly motivated, productive and reliable. “Older workers are willing to work different schedules as they are less likely to have young children at home to consider, they tend to be more loyal, have less absenteeism and take work more seriously. For me, above anything else, our mature staff members have superior interpersonal skills and a greater understanding of how to deal with customers which only comes with experience. I rely on these members of staff to serve as mentors and share their invaluable experience with newer members of staff to guide those who perhaps haven’t worked in the industry as long” concludes Simon.