Grey Power Federation Press Release May 28th. 2012

Grey Power Applauds Recognition of Mature Women as “Super Achievers” in Workplace Productivity Survey

Recognition of the high value of mature women to the work force in the Productivity Pulse Survey on workplace productivity just released by Ernst & Young is welcomed by Grey Power.

“At a time when many younger commentators and politicians regard the rapid growth in the older segment of the population as akin to a plague of possums that are going to wreck havoc to the economy and life as we know it and needs something similar to an airdrop of 1080 poisoned carrots to fix, it is refreshing to have recognition of the huge contribution older workers make to the New Zealand economy” said Mr Roy Reid, President of Grey Power New Zealand.

The survey of 1220 workers across major industries found that employers estimated that up to 21% of work done was of no value to the business, and workers themselves estimated that about 15% of their time was wasted.

Workers surveyed were split into four groups based on their value to the company.

The top group were “super achievers’ whom the survey found were more likely to be mature women with secondary school qualifications who have management responsibilities in small businesses.

“In the same way as senior NCO’s are the backbone of the military, everyone with any work experience will have seen for themselves the key older women in businesses and organisations who are expert in keeping the place organised and functioning effectively, usually keeping the boss in line as well as the workers.”

This also highlights the fact that there is a growing modern tendency for over-education where solid work place experience and on the job training is becoming over-shadowed by a plethora of degrees, diplomas and certification that require years in the class room at considerable cost, when lesser formal academic education and more on the job experience, would be more valuable.

“The older community have a vast level of knowledge, experience and skill that is playing a major part in the national economy and society, particularly important now that so many young people are leaving the country” said Mr.Reid, “ and they have the potential to contribute even more, given similar general recognition of their value as highlighted in the survey, and the opportunity to join, or rejoin the workforce.”

The Government in particular should face up to this fact, and ensure that the public service is a truly Equal Opportunities Employer and give older New Zealanders a fair go in the State employment process.

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