Filling the Knowledge Gap Left by Boomers

As boomers delay retirement, they can play an important role in the workplace by imparting their knowledge and unique skill sets to help fill the growing knowledge gap.

While 10,000 baby boomers reach retirement age each day, only 5,900 actually retire daily, according to Pew Research. In 2018, 29% of workers between the ages of 65 and 72 actively participated in the workforce either by working or looking for work. Compared to the same age group of past generations approaching retirement (Silent Generation and Greatest Generation at 21% and 19%, respectively), it’s plain to see that boomers continue to have a major impact on the workforce. While nearly a third of boomers forego retirement, their diminishing numbers are slowly creating a knowledge gap, despite the slower retirement pace.

Filling the Knowledge Gap

Although the loss in knowledge and expertise is gradual, it will soon become apparent that the transition of this generation out of the workforce will cause a monumental void. As was the case with past generational shifts, the next generation tends to rise to the top to take the torch left by the incumbent. However, Generation X spanning from those born between 1965 and 1980 is significantly smaller than boomers and tends to value workplace flexibility over boomers’ traditional view of work. The next generation, millennials, those born between 1981 and 1996, make up 35% of the U.S. workforce and 37% of the Canadian workforce, making them the largest generation in the workforce.

Imparting Skills and Expertise

As the gap grows, employers will feel the brunt of this generational shift and need to look for solutions to help bridge the gap between the boomers, Xers and millennials. One effective way companies may help fill the knowledge gap left by boomers is to focus on an intentional passing-of-the-torch to ensure a smooth and successful transition. This can be accomplished through mentorships, training programs and effective succession planning. And due to more boomers holding off retirement, employers have a unique opportunity to take advantage of their more seasoned workers to help train younger professionals.

To help with this, companies can try these solutions:

Develop Skills Training Courses – Embrace the knowledge of your more experienced workers by acknowledging specific areas where a knowledge or skills gap is apparent and develop training to help younger professionals grow.

Create Mentorship Programs – Utilize the age-old artform of apprenticeships, allowing boomers to mentor other workers in the office to allow for one-on-one skills, career, and leadership development.

Consider Generational Cross Training – Understanding the need for affluency in the workplace, allow Xers and millennials to learn non-job specific skills from boomers in different departments.

Although gradual, retiring boomers create a knowledge gap. How companies prepare for it will determine future generational success in the workplace.

About Express Employment Professionals

At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK, our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve, employing 552,000 people across North America in 2019. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.

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