Reliability and Seasoned Talent

As we transition into the various forms of hybrid work, how reliable are we?  By we, I am referring to seasoned talent categorized as Baby Boomer’s.  Of course, reliability and seasoned talent can vary greatly depending on the individual worker and their specific circumstances.  

However, it is possible that older workers who are experienced with hybrid work arrangements may be more reliable than younger workers who are newer to this type of work.

One reason for this is that older workers have more experience with time management strategies. Over the course of their careers,  they have developed strong habits and routines for completing their work tasks.  For instance, they may be more familiar with tools and techniques for managing their workload, such as prioritizing tasks, setting deadlines, and using calendars or scheduling apps.

Additionally, older workers have developed a better sense of how long it takes to complete individual tasks. Knowing this can help in planning your day more effectively.  Not only that, in an article titled “Truths About Older Workers” the Ohio Department of Aging lists reliability as one of the great qualities that seasoned talent bring to the table. 

Steadfastness

Research has shown that seasoned workers show steadfastness. They are more likely to show up to work on time, and less likely to call in sick.  As hybrid workers, older workers start their workday earlier.  And older workers tend to remain in their jobs longer.   According to a TIME Magazine article, companies are desperate to find and retain reliable workers.  For this reason, companies like Microsoft and Marriott introduced age-inclusive reforms like comprehensive health coverage without premiums aimed at nurturing their seasoned talent. 

These workers have had more time to develop strong time-management skills and work habits, which can be particularly important in a hybrid work environment. 

With hybrid work there is less structure and supervision than in a traditional office setting.  When it comes to maturity and professionalism, older workers shine!  They appear to have a stronger work ethic and sense of responsibility due to their years of experience in the workforce.

It is important to note that individual differences play a significant role in determining how well any worker, regardless of age, manages their time in a hybrid work arrangement.  Factors such as motivation, self-discipline, and the nature of the work itself can all affect a worker’s reliability.  Ultimately, it’s important for workers of all ages to develop strong time management skills to be successful in a hybrid work environment.

Take Actions to Show You Are Reliable

Hybrid workers can take several steps to demonstrate their reliability on the job:

Communicate Effectively – Communicating as a hybrid worker requires a different approach than communicating as a fully remote or fully in-person employee.  It is important to set expectations about your work schedule and your availability with your manager and colleagues.  Then, let them know your preferred methods of communication.  Your company should have technology like email, instant messaging, video conferencing, or other project management software available for you to stay connected with your team.  Make sure that you are familiar with the tools that your team is using and use them consistently.  That way when others need to reach you, they know how and vice-versa. 

Communicating effectively also requires that you be responsive.  Reply to messages and emails promptly, even if it is just to acknowledge receipt and let the sender known when you will be able to respond more fully.  Or, just say I will get back with you shortly!  Ignoring attempts by others to reach you can leave the impression that you are not working.

Meet deadlines – Meeting deadlines can be especially challenging for hybrid workers, as they must balance their remote work schedule with in-person meetings and other responsibilities.  To deliver your work on-time, plan by understanding the project requirements and the due date.  Then break down your work into manageable tasks and set achievable goals for each one.   A good way to ensure that all tasks are completed on time is to prioritize each task based on their importance and focus on the most critical pieces first.  Take advantage of your remote work time by using it to complete those tasks that require more focused attention.  Be realistic about what you can accomplish, set reminders for milestones, adjust your schedule as necessary, and remember to follow-up with your team regularly to ensure everything is on track and any issues are addressed early.

 Be proactive – Being proactive is essential for reliability in a hybrid work environment.  It requires taking ownership of your work and anticipating potential issues before they arise. Don’t wait until you hit a roadblock before you try to come up with a plan for keeping your commitments.  Anticipate potential issues that could affect your work or project, and proactively identify opportunities to come up with contingency plans if necessary. 

Build Relationships

Critical to reliability and seasoned talent in hybrid work models is building relationships.  Take the initiative to build relationships with your colleagues, both in-person and virtually.  Make sure that you are accessible and approachable and look for opportunities to collaborate and share knowledge. While in the office, go find someone to mingle with or share a cup of coffee.  If it is not already a requirement at your company, consider turning on your camera during virtual meetings.  It goes a long way in building and maintaining meaningful connections.  Don’t forget to be intentional about seeking feedback from your manager about your performance, expectations, and your role!

Be accountable – Take responsibility for your actions and decisions.  If you make a mistake, own up to it and work to correct it as soon as possible.  Communicate with your manager and peers regularly to make sure that you are on the same page with everyone else.   Accountability may be a key ingredient in your organization’s goals to keep its culture and hybrid work in sync. 

Be adaptable – Be flexible and willing to adjust to changing circumstances or priorities. This may include adjusting your work schedule or working on different projects than initially planned.  It could also mean attending in-person planning meetings or team building events or giving up the lunch hour to accommodate someone else’s schedule.  Being adaptable means being open to and adjusting to change. 

By consistently demonstrating these behaviors, hybrid workers can build a reputation for being reliable and valuable members of their team, regardless of whether they are working remotely or in-person.

When it comes to reliability and seasoned talent, reliability ultimately depends on the individual’s work habits, motivation, and overall level of engagement with their work.  And age is just one of the many factors that may play a role in determining a worker’s reliability.

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