It pays to stoke the talent of long-term employees

Igniting Gen B and Gen V, The New Rules of Engagement for Boomers, Veterans, and Other Long-Termers on the Job,
By Nancy S. Ahlrichs,
Davies-Black Publishing, $24.95

To compete in today's marketplace, corporations need to develop employees who do more than just show up every day to work: Employees also need to be engaged in their work.

Unfortunately, companies have historically neglected the engagement of their longtime employees, focusing instead on the up-and-coming youth within the organization. This oversight carries with it more negative consequences now than ever before, given the rapid pace at which longtime employees are considering leaving the workforce coupled with the sparse number of qualified potential hires available to replace them.

In "Igniting Gen B and Gen V," author Nancy S. Ahlrichs provides readers with the tools they need to re-engage their longtime employees. After providing a research-based rationale for why companies cannot afford to ignore the disengagement of their longtime employees, Ahlrichs provides readers with strategies for creating a culture that reignites longtime employees. Organizations need to first dispel five myths that perpetuate disengagement (e.g., longtime employees are too old to learn new skills, the best ideas come from outside the company). Then, organizational leaders need to promote and act consistent with five truths that can increase engagement (e.g., we get what we reward, we get what we enable).

Finally, Ahlrichs proposes seven steps to creating a culture of performance and innovation that engages longtime employees. By constantly adhering to these steps, and recognizing successes along the way, organizations have the potential to create the change they need to be more viable in today's corporate world.

Ahlrichs provides readers with a fresh perspective on how engaging longtime employees can maximize the productivity and innovation of companies in today's world. This is not an option but a necessity for companies to continue to thrive as more and more employees near retirement age. A balanced mix of research, case examples, and practical applications, this book has the potential to help individuals and organizations to redefine their own practices in order to increase their competitiveness both now and in the future.

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