My view of work may be not shared by all. I think everyone should work. I think we humans were made to work. God worked for six days and rested on the seventh. We are designed to produce, create, build, and contribute. In that light, I’d argue not only that people should work, but that companies should actively hire retirees.

Of course, there are the obvious reasons to hire a retiree:  their deep knowledge and expertise, their great work ethic (another article!), their network, their immediate impact, and their desire to stay engaged. Each of these factors deserves special attention and will be given it in due course in another article. But for now, let’s talk about something that I believe is the most critical reason: the cultural impact of a seasoned, mature, unpolitical, project-focused employee.

In my career, the most influential people weren’t always my peers—they were the seasoned veterans who could’ve retired but chose to stay in the game. I’m grateful they did. These individuals shaped who I am as an employee and a leader. They weren’t just experts in their field—they had integrity and treated everyone with respect whether you were a peer or cleaned the offices after everyone else went home. They were genuine leaders, devoid of office politics and personal agenda. They worked hard because they enjoyed it. They knew what was important and lived it.

Corporate cultures that lose this valuable asset will be at a disadvantage. More importantly, their employees will lose out on the treasure that are seasoned employees! Hiring an UnRetiree isn’t just about filling a role—it’s about investing in a stronger, more resilient company culture and giving a priceless gift to your younger team members.