The Power of Experience

Our Head of Operations, Mandy Barstow wrote a Linkedin post that really struck a chord.

The comments section was full of people sharing stories of being “overqualified,” assumed to be “not tech-savvy,” or passed over because hiring managers thought they were “not a fit”  heartbreaking — and frustrating — because behind those assumptions are talented, motivated, capable professionals who still have so much to give.
At Breathing Space HR, we see this bias play out all too often, and it’s time to challenge it.

Because hiring people aged 50+ isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s genuinely good for business.

1. Experience You Can Count On

Over-50s bring a depth of knowledge and judgement that only time and experience can teach. They’ve seen industries evolve, tackled challenges, and learned what truly works — giving them a perspective that strengthens teams and decisions.

2. Reliability and Commitment

Many older employees bring with them a strong sense of professionalism and dependability. They show up, deliver quality work, and stick around — offering the kind of consistency that helps businesses grow sustainably.

3. Communication That Connects

Years of navigating different workplaces means strong interpersonal skills. They know how to handle conflict, support colleagues, and build rapport with clients — skills that can elevate an entire team.

4. Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing

When you mix generations, everyone benefits. Younger staff gain from mentorship and lived experience, while older team members often thrive on the energy and fresh thinking of newer entrants to the workforce.

5. Adaptable and Tech-Savvy (Yes, Really!)

The stereotype of older workers struggling with technology simply doesn’t hold up. This generation has adapted to every shift — from paper files to the cloud — and continues to learn, evolve, and embrace change.

6. Calm, Balance and Perspective

Experience brings balance. Older team members can steady the ship during challenging times, keeping perspective and encouraging others to stay focused and grounded.

Let’s Rethink Age in the Workplace

Mandy’s post was a reminder that so many skilled professionals are being overlooked for all the wrong reasons.
Hiring over-50s isn’t about filling a gap — it’s about unlocking experience, reliability, and insight that can transform a workplace.

So next time you’re reviewing candidates, ask yourself:
Are we giving fair space to those who’ve already proven their worth — and still have plenty to give?