Where did "grey nomads" come from?
According to Customer Think, the trend of grey nomads is a logical continuation of the broader movement toward nomadic work. So-called "digital nomads" are individuals who work primarily remotely and are able to travel while working, often from distant locations, without being tied to a specific place.
Grey nomads are individuals of retirement age who primarily work remotely. They are often former full-time employees who, after retiring, have transitioned to part-time work, freelance contracts, or self-employment, and continue to operate as consultants. The growth of this group is driven by an ageing population, technological advancements that enable remote work, and increasing flexibility in employment structures.
Why the number of retired freelancers will continue to grow
As the retirement age rises, more people traditionally regarded as retirees will remain active in the labour market. Technological progress has made remote work far more accessible, enabling older professionals to align their work with their personal preferences, health needs or lifestyle requirements.
For these reasons, the number of grey nomads will continue to increase in the coming years.
Reasons why companies should actively seek grey nomads
Why should this topic concern employers? Because organisations would benefit from actively attracting and engaging these workers, and here are some compelling reasons why:
- Experience and know-how. Older workers typically bring a wealth of experience, a broader perspective than their younger peers, and often possess specialised knowledge.
- Flexibility. Freelancers tend to be more adaptable and can adjust their workload based on the company's needs, working more or fewer hours as agreed.
- Loyalty and reliability. Retired professionals are generally less inclined to seek new job opportunities on a regular basis. They also tend to be highly dependable and consistent in performance.
- Credibility. In the eyes of clients and business partners, an experienced worker may inspire more trust than, for example, a graduate fresh out of college.
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