Opinion
Two recent articles prompted aberrant thought connections. Maybe for certain veterinary practices, geographies or situations the synergy between flexibility and aging boomers might be workable.
In the first, Theresa L. Entriken, DVM, discusses purposefully building a schedule-flexible, diversely talented segment of your team. She says, “Imagine a team consisting of full-time, part-time, and ‘on-demand’ individuals.”
The second article shared the grizzled levelheadedness that indicates aging brains get better at managing emotions. Research has found that older people have a positive bias, even without realizing they’re actually doing it. Their default mode is, as we say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” Psychologists see that emotion regulation improves with age over and over again.
Sources:
- Why a flexible workforce could work in veterinary practices, VetX International, May 19, 2021. Link.
- Why do older individuals have greater control if their feelings? Smithsonian Magazine, May 11, 2021. Link.
INSIGHTS: Sure, I am part of the grizzled sexagenarian category. But not everyone wants to be a greeter at Walmart or ranger at the golf course. Staff turnover and churn are realities in today’s environment lowering employment term concerns on the priorities list. There are many skilled semi-professionals 60 years old and older who would thrive in a part-time, flexible, yet responsible role.
I believe if flexible scheduling, part-time or on-call staff is interesting to you, it is worth considering roles that aging individuals in your community could fulfill. You might find younger staff members, as well as clients, enjoy the interaction with aunt, uncle or grandparent types. Review these two articles with an open mind, then determine if there are flexible staffing options for your teams and who might fulfill those roles.