Why helping employees grow might benefit a small business in the long run

Employees of different ages and in varying levels of their careers require unique means of support and guidance. One new study says paying attention to this may help businesses retain top talent and be better positioned for after-the-recession growth.

According to a new report, Age & Generations - Understanding Experiences at the Work Place, compiled by the Sloan Center on Aging & Work at Boston College, employees in "mid-career" felt they had more flexibility to help balance their work and life needs than those in earlier stages of their careers.

Mid and late-career workers tended to say that supervisors did not give them enough support and training to grow professionally - something that could hinder overall business operations down the line.

"From a talent perspective, only the fittest organizations will survive this economic downturn," says Marcie Pitt-Catsouphes, PhD, study principal and head of the Sloan Center on Aging & Work.

"Smart companies will align their workplace policies with the needs of a multi-generational, 21st century workforce," she said.

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