Supporting Those
in Later Careers
Improving Retention Together
Why Supporting Colleagues in the Later Stage of a Career Matters
Colleagues in the later stages of their careers have a wealth of skills, knowledge, expertise, experience and wisdom that they’ve developed throughout their working lives. This is is to be celebrated and is extremely valuable to the organisation they work for. Supporting later-stage employees allows the NHS to retain important institutional knowledge and prevents the loss of crucial expertise, particularly in areas such as mentoring and complex patient care.
Later-stage career employees play a vital role in mentoring and training younger colleagues by passing on their knowledge and skills. A ‘Legacy Mentor’ refers to an experienced professional who provides coaching, mentoring and/or pastoral support to colleagues at the start of their NHS working lives. Legacy Mentors give professional advice, education and guidance and also play a valuable role in supporting the wellbeing of others. The role of a Legacy Mentor provides a rewarding career opportunity which celebrates an experienced colleague’s contribution to the NHS. It also supports newer colleagues to settle into their roles and helps them to stay well.
A workforce with a range of ages and experience brings a diversity of perspectives and insight. This is important for decision-making, problem-solving and service delivery. Experienced staff build strong relationships with patients which helps to improve communication, understanding and care. Supporting employees in later-stage careers to work in ways that meet their needs not only improves both wellbeing and job satisfaction but can also reduce stress and burnout.
As a manager/ leader you can make a huge difference in supporting colleagues in the later stages of their careers. Here are ways you can help:
- Create a culture of value and respect for employees in the later stages of their careers.
- Acknowledge and appreciate long-service.
- Encourage colleagues to openly share any concerns or suggestions they have about their roles, listen to them and help them to find solutions.
- Support colleagues to access and use flexible working and flexible retirement opportunities to support their work-life balance and wellbeing.
- Consider together how their knowledge, skills, experience and wisdom can be shared with the wider team.
- Support and signpost the individual to access NHS pension advice and information sessions.
- Be understanding, empathetic and supportive of specific health and wellbeing needs e.g. menopause.
As a team member, you play a significant role in creating a positive workplace environment where colleagues feel valued and supported. Supporting colleagues doesn’t have to be complex, it’s the little things that matter:
- Recognise the knowledge, skills expertise and wisdom that colleagues in later stages of careers have.
- Learn from them.
- Acknowledge and appreciate their long service.
- Respect difference within the generations and treat each other with compassion.
- Be understanding, empathetic and supportive of specific health and wellbeing needs e.g. menopause.
