Keeping the Experienced Generation

Abstract

With recent talk about how to find and retain the younger generation within today's workforce, the importance of another employment‐related issue is being ignored: how will water utilities keep experienced, retirement‐aged professionals, and why should these professionals be retained? The natural cycle of employment ‐ employees leaving and employees joining an organization ‐ is something employees look forward to, whether at a junior or senior level. The retirement of a senior‐level employee has always meant greater opportunity (career growth) for the junior‐level employees of the next generation. This article discusses options that water utilities should consider when facing the issue of succession planning for the future.