Many people are retiring earlier, whether by choice, through organizational restructurings or downsizing, or unexpected personal events such as failing health.

Fear, panic, and discomfort are common emotions experienced when preparing to retire.

There are a things that a supervisor, manager, or human resource professional can do to assist employees to prepare for life after work.

A. Understand
Understand what’s keeping boomers up at night: Here is a partial list:
– How much money will I need?
– What will I do when I’m retired?
– What’s going to be my purpose in life?
– Fear of change and fading into the woodwork from social isolation

B. Be Empathetic
Be empathetic to those employees between the ages of 45 and 65 – the age group when questions of retirement begin to surface. Also, be open and accessible to their concerns and be willing to listen and help. Appropriate questions to ask include:
– Who do you know. who is successfully retired and what are they doing?
– Do you know any unsuccessful retirees and, in your estimation, what do they need to do differently?
– What does retirement mean to you?
– What scares, attracts, or excites you about life after work?
– What will make you happy in retirement?

C. Provide Assistance
Provide assistance to an employee who wants your insights, thoughts and experience
– How can I help? How can the organization help? How can the team help?
– Would you like to attend a retirement planning workshop or lunch ‘n learn
– What about books, articles, or other resources on the subject of retirement?
– Would you like to meet with Human Resources regarding your pension and benefits?
– Would you welcome a meeting with retirees to explore life after work?
– I’m available as a sounding board.

D. Best Practices
When considering what assistance to provide, here are “best practices” used by various organizations:
– offer workshops/lunch’n learns (i.e., invitations for both employees and their spouses/partners to attend)
– provide books, articles, and online resources
– dedicate HR personnel who are knowledgeable of all aspects of retirement
– offer one-on-one coaching with a fulfillment retirement coach
– recognize employee service and
– form a retiree’s social group, including inviting employees nearing retirement to attend group meetings.

Caring for those facing retirement demonstrates leadership and corporate social responsibility. It is appreciated by employees, who in turn become ambassadors of the organization and fans of your understanding and help.

For more information, drop me a note at: ramgt75@rogers.com