Last month I was on a jobsite and what struck me was the amount of grey hair on the workforce. As a Baby Boomer or, as our politically correct government calls me, a “Senior Citizen” – I like that. I like seeing my mature buddies out there showing them how it’s done. Yeah, we have lost some of our hearing, we have to have our reading glasses to read the plans, and we don’t move quite as fast as some of our younger counterparts.
But – what we do have is experience, knowledge and, in general, great attitudes. We are grateful that we have been blessed to make it this far in life as members of our great industry.
See, we’ve worked some forty, even fifty, years in construction and even though the back and joints hurt and we probably are taking some kind of meds, when we go home at night we are proud of our accomplishments. We’re proud when we show our grandkids projects we built when we were younger. We look in the mirror and often see a man much younger than we feel. We see hands that remind us of our fathers’ – leathery, sun spots and some scars that each have a story. We wonder where the time has gone and contemplate if we still have what it takes to compete in today’s workforce.
The good news is – YES – the industry needs us – both our bodies and our minds. Study after study reveals that the workforce is starving for experienced talent. It appears that even though some companies and HR managers don’t want to acknowledge it, we mature guys and gals are the best thing money can hire. We have life and work experiences, skillsets, and talents that only come from years and years of on-the-job training. These same studies show that we are more dependable, have fewer short-term absences, are more loyal, and less disruptive to an organization than other age groups. We also exhibit a strong desire to mentor and train the next generation of industry professionals and tradesmen.
The bad news is – YES – we have some challenges. One is technology. Computers and construction software programs are here to stay, so get over it. Get up to speed by taking some classes, get the neighbor’s kid or your grand-kids to help you, go to the library and use the computers there and get free training, call your state workforce development centers for free training assistance or grants. Just do it already!!
The second is SAFETY. Like that great Toby Keith song, “I’m Not As Good As I Once Was,” we move slower, we react slower, we’re not as physically strong as in our thirties, and we don’t hear and see like we once did. We’re just – well – OLD, and if we want to be OLDER, we need to think about, practice and communicate safety at a high level of consciousness.
Statistics show that the older workers have fewer accidents but, when they do, they are away from work longer and have a higher death rate than the younger population. Keep that in mind as you go about your daily business. Maybe think twice before you climb that ladder or attempt to carry a heavy load up a set of stairs. I’m not saying you can’t do it or not do it – I’m saying to use that common sense you have acquired.
Companies need to be aware that the needs of the older worker may change also. Respect your elders and provide them proper ergonomic workspaces and tools. No more of those desks from a 4×8 piece of plywood set on sawhorses and a cheap folding chair from Wal-Mart, OK?? Review the PPE requirements with your employee’s age and physical requirements in mind. Review your Safety Manuals and Hazard Communication Programs as well as your Policy and Procedure manuals to be sure job descriptions and requirements align with your workforce.
It is inevitable that we will all be working with and around an aging workforce. The sooner we, as individuals and companies, begin to address this reality, the better we will be able to serve the needs of not only today’s aging workers but also the future Senior Citizens who now consider themselves bulletproof.
