Senior employees are worth their weight in gold:
JF Data Service ApS retains and attracts through dialogue and flexible terms
Steffen Unger, CFO and HR Manager at JF Data Service ApS, shares his experiences with the grey gold here. Get his top tips and meet him as a panellist at Business Center Bornholm's after-work meeting on senior employees on 8 October 2024.
The IT sector is under severe pressure due to a shortage of specialists, and the situation only looks set to worsen. According to the Danish Society of Engineers (IDA), there will be a shortage of up to 22,000 IT professionals by 2030, making it extra important to retain or attract senior employees.
”Experience is something you cannot simply replace, says Steffen Unger, Head of Finance and HR at JF Data Service ApS, which has been more conscious of the issue since 2015. Back then, the management at JF Data Service ApS discovered that many employees were approaching retirement age, and it was decided to offer flexible conditions for those who wished to continue.
”We didn't adopt any formal senior policy, because of the size we are. For us, an open-door policy is far better; you can say what's on your mind – without it having to cost anything, and anyway, that's always been the way in our work culture.”
Finding a good balance between the professional and the personal, declares Unger, is not difficult – quite the contrary.
”Many of our colleagues have been here for a number of years, so we keep up with each other's lives. Against this background, it is only natural to also talk about plans for the future, and we focus on ensuring that everyone knows the opportunities available with us.”
A framework for dialogue
At JF Data Service ApS, a framework for dialogue has therefore been chosen, typically kick-started with the question: ”Have you given any thought to your pension?” This is a question that naturally opens up a conversation on the subject and the coming years in the labour market.
”Subsequently, we've put things into writing to ensure both parties agree on the content and on agreements that require a new focus and follow-up,” says Steffen, adding: ”We aren't forcing anything down people's throats. Instead, we create a positive and cautious approach with an open dialogue. We listen to the individual's thoughts and needs and then hold follow-up meetings to ensure we adapt the working conditions as best as possible.”
So far, reduced working hours have been a popular request, and the management at JF Dataservice Aps fully understands this.
”If you have grandchildren, either on the island or – as is typically the case – on the other side of the Baltic Sea, then a 4-day working week is certainly nice, where you can take Monday or Friday off and in that way get a long weekend, explains Steffen, adding that changes to job content have also been relevant.
”Many things can change with age, physically as well as mentally, so the most important thing is that we make sure to find solutions so that, as an employee, you still feel motivated to stay with us for as long as possible.”
JF Data Service ApS also does its bit to remember to invite former employees to social events.
”We want to maintain good relationships with former colleagues, and we also want to try and pick up some signals. Perhaps they might fancy coming back as freelancers, mentors, or consultants at some point if they look a bit into the future – and then, of course, they need to know that the door is open for them here,” Unger explains.
Senior citizens are worth their weight in gold
In an industry where technology is constantly evolving, it might seem surprising to focus some of one's energy on retaining senior employees rather than recruiting younger talent. But according to Steffen Unger, it makes very good sense.
”The younger generation of employees is clearly more digital, and that is a major strength. But we still need to be able to service the customers who work with physical products that are facing a phase-out,” he says, mentioning a concrete example: ”We previously had an arrangement where one of our colleagues went from supporting hardware to helping out on the phone and keeping track of the spare parts inventory – while also acting as a mentor with their specialist knowledge.”
Steffen adds that to this day JF Data Service ApS has employees ranging in age from 17 to 75, and he finds that everyone appreciates this greatly.
”That combination does wonders for the working environment, but especially for quality too, and means we can deliver a holistic service built on knowledge, continuity and development,” he concludes, before briefly summarising that it is crucial to take a proactive responsibility as a business leader regarding senior resources. As he puts it: ”It is important to act on the labour shortage we are facing right now. If you want to move forward, you just have to jump on the bus when it leaves.”
BY TINA TOFT MØLLER
Steffen Unger, Finance and HR Manager at JF Data Service ApS.
Steffen Unger's best advice on the retention of senior employees
1. Set aside time – well in advance
When employees approach retirement age, it is a good idea to have an early conversation about the future. This provides an opportunity to plan any changes to work tasks or working hours and ensures that no surprises arise.
2. Have an open and honest dialogue
Create a safe space where employees can freely talk about their future without having to worry about negative consequences. An honest dialogue ensures that you are on the same wavelength and can find solutions together.
3. Be flexible
Adapt work routines to the needs of older workers. This can range from reduced working hours to lighter tasks, so that employees can continue to come to work happy and motivated.
Meet Steffen Unger at the after-work meeting on 8 October 2024
On 8 October 2024, Steffen Unger will participate as a panellist at Business Center Bornholm's after-work meeting, where he will share JF Data's experiences with the retention of senior employees.
The event takes place at Green Solution House, Strandvejen 79, 3700 Rønne, from 14:00 to 16:30.
Here you will gain insight into how seniors can be a central part of the workforce of the future, and how best to attract and retain them. Furthermore, it is a great opportunity to network with other businesses.
Sign up via this link.
About JF Data Service ApS
JF Data Service ApS, founded by Jørgen Falk in 1981, is an IT specialist company headquartered in Rønne. The company has 22 employees and offers tailored solutions for businesses, including IT support, project management, hosting, and CMS systems. JF Data Service ApS has developed web-based booking and ticketing solutions, including for bus companies such as BAT, Nordjyllands Trafikselskab, and Fynbus.
See more at JF Data Service.