52 Abbott Street North, Smiths Falls, Ontario
Phone: 613-283-6978 www.getontrac.ca
The Advantages of Diverse Ages in the Workplace
Workforces are becoming increasingly diverse in age demographics, creating professional
environments that are rich with experience and maturity as well as youthful exuberance.
Companies that employ workers in wide ranges of age have the advantage of creating a dynamic,
multi-generational workforce -- with a diverse range of skill sets -- that is beneficial to the
company.
Diverse Skill Sets
A workforce composed of different age demographics creates an environment where each
generation brings different skills and talents to the table. For example, young employees likely
have a strong grasp on the use of high-tech business mediums such as social networking, online
product demonstrations and webcasting. More mature professionals often have exceptional
interpersonal skills and perform well in environments where traditional in-person communication is
used. This diverse range of skills sets can offer an advantage to a company that caters to a
multi-generational demographic.
Technology
Young professionals grew up in a high-tech world and have greater familiarity with business
technology tools compared to their more mature counterparts. While all age demographics must
embrace technology in the professional world to communicate and effectively reach customers, a
workforce that contains tech-savvy employees has a definite advantage over companies that
employ only mature workers.
Tradition
Just as younger generations are credited with having good working knowledge of business
technology, more mature members of a workforce have the advantage of traditional business
skills. This diversity gives businesses the advantage of being able to communicate and deal with
customers across all age spectrums. For example, one customer may prefer the fast pace of email
correspondence, while another may appreciate the tradition of a formal business letter. A diverse
workforce can cater to both types of customer.
Mentoring
The practice of multi-generational workplace mentoring offers many advantages. In a mixed-age
workforce where companies value knowledge, experience and skill above age, seniority or
gender, employees of all ages have the opportunity to teach, share and learn from one another.
Continuity
A workforce heavily composed only of people in a particular age demographic runs the risk of
becoming obsolete. Traditionally, older workers train younger professionals in the ways of the
company, passing down accumulated years of experience. In a workforce dominated only by
young professionals, there is no opportunity for generational mentoring; in a workforce dominated
only by mature employees, workers eventually retire from the company, leaving behind few
people who are familiar with the company's history.
- Lisa McQuerrey, Demand Media
At ontrac, our success as a team lies with the respect we have for each other’s skills, experiences
and ideas. From our “Baby Boomers” to our “Gen Xers” to our “Gen Ys”, age diversity brings out
the best in all of us.
March Workshops
March 1
Call the office to book your spot! 613-283-6978
11:00-12:00
Second Career Information Session
1:00-2:30
1:00-3:30
1:00-3:00
1:00-3:00
11:00-12:00
1:00-2:30
Noon-4:00
1:00-3:00
1:00-3:00
11:00-12:00
1:00-2:30
Preparing for a Job Fair
Resume Clinic
Interview Skills
FREE Income Tax Clinic
Second Career Information Session
Networking
Job Fair – Smiths Falls Community Centre
Stress Management
FREE Income Tax Clinic
Second Career Information Session
Worker Health & Safety Awareness (free online)
March 16
1:00-3:30
Resume Clinic
March 21
March 22
1:00-3:00
8:30-4:00
FREE Income Tax Clinic
Working at Heights $90. + HST
March 23
1:00-3:30
Resume Clinic
March 24
9:00-2:00
Smart Serve $22.50 (bring a lunch)
March 29
11:00-12:00
Second Career Information Session
March 30
1:00-3:30
Resume Clinic
March 2
March 3
March 7
March 8
March 9
March 10
March 14
March 15
Mar. 31 / Apr. 1 8:30-4:00
First Aid/CPR Level C, St John Ambulance $125.00 (new price)