Technology holds the key to battling the ‘brain drain’

A survey conducted by Orange recently found that more than three quarters (77%) of the 2,017 small and medium-sized business leaders questioned believe abolishing compulsory retirement and instead judging people on merit, rather than age, could be the best thing for businesses and their employees.

The UK's steady progression towards a ‘knowledge economy' has seen our society relinquish its reliance upon young labour, working in manual or manufacturing jobs, and instead focus on the benefits that knowledge and experience can offer. In many lines of business, from bankers to teachers, it is our skills and expertise, developed over many years, that are now crucial to establishing competitive advantage and achieving business success.

Yet, the retirement age hadn't changed to acknowledge this greater emphasis on experience and knowledge and until recently businesses risked letting their greatest assets walk out the door simply because they had reached a certain age. After all, knowledge doesn't expire or lose its value once a person hits 65.

However, retaining staff over 65 has to work for both parties, and employers must be mindful of the fact that some staff will want to adapt their working commitments to match their changing lifestyles. Encouragingly, Orange's survey showed that employers believe that offering flexibility will be key to helping older staff contribute to the business on their own terms - should they want to keep working in some capacity.

Of the small and medium-sized business leaders questioned, 84% said they would be willing to offer flexible working options to employees who are over 65, in order to keep them in the business for longer.

Access to technology is key in making this happen.

No longer just the realm of younger generations of ‘digital natives', age is no barrier to technology adoption. Despite some widely held preconceptions, the Orange survey found that many staff who are in or approaching their 60s would be happy using the latest business tools and gadgets to work more flexibly. One in 10 said their staff would be happy using tablets, such as Apple's iPad, and third would opt for a smartphone as a means of keeping plugged in to the business.

Technology not only enables employees to work when they want but also where they want. Traditionally, older demographics have moved away from densely populated metropolitan areas to seek a quieter life.

Orange has the largest high speed mobile network in the UK which means even in remote areas, users can use their mobiles for work calls but also email. In addition, the wide range of mobile and home broadband packages on offer from Orange, makes it even easier for users to work whenever and wherever suits them best.

Technology and connectivity can offer the best of both worlds to businesses who want to give older staff the freedom  to take a step back from their daily commute, but still need their knowledge and leadership skills. With small and medium-sized businesses making up 98% of the UK national economy, it is vital that businesses can retain the best people for the job, irrespective of how old they are.