The construction industry has the most "old-timer problems" of any industry.
I say this knowing I’ll face criticism, but I believe the construction industry is the one with the most “old-timers holding things back.”
Although they may not say it out loud, I suspect many people feel this way. This is a reality the construction industry must accept.
Is the high turnover rate in the construction industry due to the demanding nature of the work? No, that’s not it. While there are certainly people who quit because of low wages or the demanding nature of the work, the most common reason younger workers leave is interpersonal relationships.
Perhaps the most common scenario is when people encounter what’s known as “the scourge of the elderly” and end up feeling mentally drained as a result.
Characteristics of People Labeled as "Old Fogeys"
In my experience, people in positions such as artisan company presidents or sole proprietors are highly likely to be labeled as “old fogies.”
For people who have always worked without taking orders from anyone, it’s not easy to accept others’ opinions as they get older.
For example, even though they may be the general contractor on site, there are still many foremen who speak to people in a condescending manner.
Young employees are treated arrogantly simply because of their age, and they end up feeling emotionally drained because they can’t speak up. There’s no doubt that this is a major factor driving them to resign.
The younger generation has human rights, too.
When younger people quit their jobs, they’re often told things like, “Young people quit right away” or “They lack grit.” But is it really just the younger generation’s fault?
That's definitely not the case.
Older generations often refer to their own times as a point of comparison, but that’s a taboo when talking to younger generations. That’s because the present and the past are two completely different worlds.
The prevailing attitude that “you should always listen to what the older generation says” is extremely dangerous and, to put it mildly, outdated. The older generation’s high-handed attitude is nothing but a hindrance to the construction industry today.
If you’re going to say, “Listen to what the older generation has to say,” then the older generation should be the ones listening to what the younger generation has to say. I wish they would show a little more respect for the younger generation’s current way of thinking and way of life.
How to Deal with Old-Timers
I’ve spoken my mind on various topics so far, fully expecting criticism, but even so, there are still very few people who understand how young people feel, no matter how much I lament this situation.
If you actually find yourself dealing with an "old fogey" in the workplace, what's the best way to handle the situation?
The most effective approach is to “ignore” them, but in reality, that’s not practical in the workplace. So, as is often said, the younger generation just has to grow up—in other words, young employees have no choice but to read the room and go along with the old guard.
While this isn't a fundamental improvement, as long as the older generation refuses to change their mindset and behavior, the younger generation has no choice but to grow up.
It goes without saying that you can’t work alone on a construction site. That’s why, in order for everyone to work comfortably, either everyone must cooperate with one another, or one side must be patient and adapt to the others; otherwise, the site won’t run smoothly.
I do respect my senior, but…
As mentioned earlier, many young employees are putting up with the negative influence of older employees just to get along with them. I believe this causes stress and leads to them leaving their jobs.
Shouldn’t we show at least a little respect for the younger generation, who will shape the future? I’m not saying we should constantly tiptoe around them, but even those who are a burden on society should at least be able to speak and interact with them in a proper and courteous manner, as “adults” themselves.
Unless this issue is resolved, the construction industry will likely see even higher turnover rates and face a labor shortage.
It can sometimes be hard to understand what the younger generation is thinking or feeling these days, but I don’t think that means they lack respect for older generations. When you talk to them, you find they have seniors they respect and bosses they look up to. However, even though they respect them, they find it stressful when authority is thrust in their faces.
In the construction industry, it’s common to hear stories of people whose ideas were immediately dismissed on-site with remarks like, “Who would do something so ridiculous?” Yet, that very mindset is actually what the construction industry needs going forward.
The words and ideas of the younger generation are brimming with potential and fresh perspectives. Isn’t it wrong to dismiss everything outright based solely on experience and knowledge? There’s no doubt that today’s young people will play a central role in mastering the latest tools going forward.
To avoid becoming a burden to society in old age, we should start by listening to the voices of young people.
