National Learning Institute

Managing The Older Worker

Peter Cappelli and Bill Novelli

Reviewed by admin Tue 4 Jan 11

Bob's Rating:

In a great new book “Managing the Older Worker”, authors Cappelli and Novelli start out by debunking some of the common myths that abound about older workers. For example, myths such as “older workers will not stay as long” (their turnover rate is actually lower than younger workers); “older workers will have less physical and mental ability” (the authors show that knowledge and experience account for these), are just two.

I was particularly impressed with the business case the authors put for employing older workers. For employers, the authors’ extensive analysis of various research studies, is well described to define just what an older worker can bring to the workplace and how organisations really do need them. For instance, the things that older workers have in abundance – interpersonal skills and highly tuned cognitive ability – have increased in need in the workplace over recent decades by 36% and 35% respectively.

This book is timely. The average age of workers is getting older. Employers and indeed as the authors point out, governments need to be aware of not only what the older worker can bring to the workplace, but also how to best manage this growing workforce segment.

The book is well written with sufficient scenarios and short cases to show just how the authors’ suggestions have or are, working in practice.

It’s hard to find fault with this book. If I had to find one, I’d say that there is so much good information here about the older worker, that it takes a while to get through it all.

However, if you are an HR, L&D person or someone charged with employing, deploying, developing and training your organisation’s people, this book is a must read. Highly recommended.