Welcome to this week’s blog that considers the working world,

what we do, and what it takes to work with purpose, lead with impact, and engage with people in a way that really makes a difference. In our ‘Work Unplugged’ podcast last week, Amrit considered if in today’s fast-paced work environment, where we often hear about the new, the innovative, the shiny, that all promise to change the way we work, are we missing something truly valuable - the wisdom of the past?

Forgotten Wisdom! I love this topic because I have genuinely always held a firm belief that what we need as humans, the earth provides, but that it has all got a bit lost. Amrit started his musings relating back to a fascinating example that perfectly encapsulates this. Did you know that rosemary and sage, ancient herbs known for their use in memory improvement, are now being researched for their potential to help with Alzheimer’s?

These herbs, mentioned in literature as far back as Shakespeare’s Hamlet, were recognised for their memory-boosting properties centuries ago. Yet, it’s only now that we are beginning to validate these claims scientifically. Now I have my own thoughts about why this is (big pharma, money, power – say no more), but whatever the reasons, we have become too far removed from the wisdom of our elders, and not only that, we often just dismiss it as farcical.

This example is about more than just herbs; it’s a metaphor for the wisdom that we, as a society, have often disregarded in favour of what’s new and shiny. Nature, and even the folklore of our elders, holds secrets that modern science is just now beginning to tap into. If we had spoken about it before, or been in favour of it, us women would have been deemed witches and burned at the stake! This is a blog about the workplace however, so let’s get to how this topic translates.

Amrit reflected on the treatment of older employees in modern organisations. As technology evolves and younger generations bring new skills to the table, there’s often a tendency to overlook the value of seasoned employees, those who have witnessed the ebb and flow of change throughout their careers, and who have learnt and developed wisdom along the way. In the workplace, these individuals, often nearing retirement, may feel outpaced and out of place in a world driven by artificial intelligence, social media, and rapid technological advancements.

It would be easy (and perhaps is common) to think that they’ve lost touch with the “modern” ways of doing things. But this is a dangerous assumption. These employees hold the forgotten wisdom of years spent navigating change, overcoming challenges, and adapting to previous technological shifts. They’ve seen it all, from the rise of computers in the workplace to the dawn of email and beyond. In many ways, their ability to adapt and persevere through so many changes makes them an incredibly valuable asset to any organisation.

However, for this wisdom to be shared, older workers must feel comfortable speaking up and sharing their experiences. Which brings us to a topic we are passionate about, and that is psychological safety. We often think about psychological safety in the context of new employees or younger generations, but we rarely consider how older employees might feel in an environment where technology is moving faster than they/we can keep up.

It’s essential that we create a culture where these employees feel respected, valued, and encouraged to contribute their insights. We need to recognise the unique value that comes with years of experience. Not just their ability to perform tasks or keep up with technological trends, but their ability to offer perspective and provide a deep understanding of organisational history.

Amrit suggests a simple yet powerful idea: creating opportunities for long-serving employees to share their stories, wisdom, and lessons learned. Whether through town halls, forums, or quarterly activities, these employees can serve as cultural ambassadors, helping newer employees understand where the company has been, what it has overcome, and what strengths it has developed along the way.

Imagine how powerful it could be if organisations made a concerted effort to tap into this wisdom. Not only would it foster a deeper sense of belonging for older employees, but it would also strengthen the organisational culture, ensuring that the lessons of the past aren’t forgotten amidst the rush toward the future. It may even help us recognise and appreciate our elders in society at large, helping us feel more respect towards the contributions and knowledge of those who have trodden the paths before us.

As we move forward in an era of exponential change, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the new and the innovative. But as Amrit reminds us, we mustn’t lose sight of the past. The forgotten wisdom that resides in our older colleagues, the rosemary and sage of the workplace, has the power to guide us through the challenges ahead. By acknowledging their contributions, valuing their perspectives, and creating a space where they can share their knowledge, we can build a more inclusive and resilient organisation.

So, the next time you encounter a seasoned colleague, take a moment to ask them about their experiences. You might just be surprised by the wealth of wisdom they have to offer. In the end, the future of work isn’t just about embracing the latest technology or chasing the next big trend. It’s about integrating the lessons of the past with the innovations of the future. After all, sometimes the answers we seek have been right in front of us all along, if only we’d take the time to listen. And let’s face it, things do tend to come round again and repeat themselves, so let’s learn, perhaps ahead of time, by being wise enough to value the wisdom of the past.

Click here to listen to the podcast!