The job market is not just for young people. Although the world population is aging, the improvement of the quality of life in society leads to an increasing number of active and engaged seniors in their personal routines and, inclusive, professionals. The insertion of these talents into the corporate environment drives what we call the silver economy, something that, as it continues to grow more and more around the world, still deserves greater attention so that this audience is, duly, inserted and welcomed in companies
According to an estimate from IBGE, the number of elderly people is expected to surpass that of young people by 2031. For the first time in our history, the Aging Index (AI) will be greater than 100, that is to say, there will be 102,3 elderly for every 100 young people. This is a direct reflection of the active longevity of the population through healthier habits, greater care for physical health and advances in medicine, which also positively impacts better mental health, fewer expenses with medicines, and a much more willing life as a whole
In addition to this social and health benefit, the increase in life expectancy has also triggered a greater search by these people to remain professionally active – something that is extremely advantageous for companies. After all, something that these talents have in abundance is accumulated experience and maturity gained throughout their journey, with greater emotional intelligence in dealing with everyday issues, better understanding of professional relationships and maintaining them in the long term
Parallel to this, when a professional has already experienced various economic scenarios since a booming economy, recession, inflation, deflation, even governments of different positions, all of this makes him develop a better reading of the scenario, analyzing what you have already experienced as a basis to know what works or not
All these attributes are something that no university or master's program teaches, but that are built in our professional baggage. And what, inclusive, is often insufficient for many young talents entering the market, those who do not have years of experience, nor maturity, experience and behaviors necessary for a more structured view on various corporate issues
According to data from IBGE, by 2050, Brazil will reach a population of over 40 million people aged over 60. Instead of keeping them away from the market, making them feel useless, inserting them into companies bringing their experiences in favor of adopting more assertive strategies will generate achievements not only financial, but also in a social context and in a way that they feel useful and remain active in areas that they enjoy
In this adaptation to the corporate routine, however, some precautions need to be taken. In many cases, the arrival of these talents will not have a natural synergy, and will require special attention from companies and other members, once obstacles can be created, even, by the senior professionals themselves
There is still a strong belief among many of them that their advanced age will not bring positive achievements for the companies, unsure that they will not be able to contribute to the operations and meet the set goals. These fears can make them arrive at the headquarters apprehensive about their performance, what can be avoided not only through self-understanding and appreciation, how many internal actions were taken for this arrival, encouraging and recognizing them for their achievements at work
On the part of younger professionals, the lack of sensitivity is a risk to be considered, which will also require companies to take actions that demonstrate the importance of these seniors for business performance and how much both can work and learn together. In the end, it will be necessary empathy, effort and respect from both sides so that this movement brings ripe fruits for all involved
A diverse professional environment is not just one that values gender inclusion, but also what brings ageism internally. Those who learn to deal with heads that think differently and have distinct perspectives, but that, when cared for and valued by all, they will certainly enhance the achievement of the expected results
