In today’s economy, adaptability is destiny.
Market instability, rapid shifts in technology, and new ways of working are forcing organizations to change fast—and often. What they need most isn’t just new tools. It’s sound judgment, insight, and the ability to act with clarity and confidence.
In other words: they need experience.
But far too often, workers with the most experience are sidelined because stereotypes are allowed to overshadow strategy. That’s a mistake with real cost: at every level of today’s workforce — employees, leaders, contract workers, entrepreneurs, even volunteers — experience pays off.
At The Encore Network, we’re marking Older Americans Month by joining and helping lead a nationwide campaign to #FlipTheScript on aging and work. And we’re launching this blog, Experience@Work, to keep that conversation going long after May ends.
Why Experience Matters Now
Let’s be clear: the world of work is in flux. Technologies like AI are transforming how decisions are made and how products are delivered. Businesses are under pressure to move fast, pivot often, and deliver with precision.
That’s exactly where experience shines.
Older workers have lived through cycles of disruption before. They know how to separate signal from noise. When new tools emerge, they’re not caught up in the hype—they ask the smarter question: How does this improve results?
That’s not resistance to change. It’s strategic thinking.
Multigenerational teams outperform their peers. Studies show they’re more productive, more innovative, and more likely to stick together. Young professionals benefit from working alongside older colleagues who bring context, mentorship, and a steady hand to fast-moving environments.
And yet, age bias still clouds decision-making—whether it’s in hiring, layoffs, or access to new training. We’re not just losing talent when that happens—we’re squandering opportunity.
The Entrepreneurship Edge
Experience also powers the fastest-growing segment of entrepreneurship: people over 50, who are starting more businesses than any other age group. And they’re doing so with a success rate two-to-three times higher than their younger counterparts.
These founders are hiring teams, innovating in their industries, and building businesses with lasting value. And contrary to assumptions, they’re using AI tools to spark new ideas, manage repetitive tasks, and engage customers in new ways.
With the right resources and encouragement, even more people with experience could take the leap into business ownership, generating greater economic value.
That’s why The Encore Network is creating space for their stories—and sharing the tools and research that support them.
What This Blog Is About
Experience@Work is here to flip the script for good.
We’ll feature stories from experienced workers and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future. We’ll lift up employers who are building multigenerational teams—and advisors who are helping older adults pivot with purpose. We’ll explore how AI and emerging technologies are being used with experience, not instead of it.
We’re not selling a feel-good story. We’re offering a smarter approach to talent, leadership, and innovation—backed by data and real-world results.
So whether you’re a hiring manager, a policy advocate, a coach, or someone navigating your own next act, this space is for you. Look for upcoming posts from our members and guests. And contribute your own ideas.
The future of work isn’t just about what’s new. It’s about what works.
And experience still works.
By: Doug Dickson
Co-founder and Secretary of The Encore Network