Embracing Experience: The Value of Retaining Retired Workers in Construction

Lechley Associates Ltd

Embracing Experience: The Value of Retaining Retired Workers in Construction

In the construction industry, the wisdom and expertise of seasoned professionals are invaluable. As many approach retirement, it's crucial to recognise the benefits of retaining these experienced workers. Their deep industry knowledge, consistent quality of work, and extensive networks can significantly enhance our projects.

Imagine a seasoned foreman who has spent decades navigating the complexities of construction sites. His ability to foresee potential issues and implement solutions is unmatched. This kind of expertise is not just learned; it's earned through years of hands-on experience.


The Power of Mentorship

One of the most effective ways to harness this expertise is through mentorship programmes. These initiatives allow experienced workers to pass on their skills and insights to the next generation. Picture a young apprentice learning the ropes from a veteran. The knowledge transfer that occurs in these interactions is priceless, bridging the skills gap and maintaining high standards across the industry.

Moreover, mentorship fosters a culture of learning and respect. It creates an environment where new ideas can flourish, supported by the solid foundation of experience. This blend of innovation and tradition is what drives the industry forward.


Challenging Age-Related Stereotypes

In today's diverse workforce, addressing age-related stereotypes is crucial for fostering an inclusive environment. At Talent Connect United Kingdom 2025, Lyndsey Simpson, CEO and founder of 55/Redefined, brought this issue into sharp focus during her keynote session, "Ageless Talent: Redefining the Future of Work." She highlights the importance of an age-inclusive strategy to ensure businesses thrive in the future.

To spark a conversation, I recently introduced a LinkedIn poll asking: "Do you believe that stereotypes about older workers affect hiring and promotion decisions in the construction industry?" Please participate and share your experiences in the comments. Tag colleagues who might have valuable insights.


The Broader Impact

Retaining retired workers isn't just about preserving knowledge; it's about maintaining the quality of work. These professionals have honed their craft over the years, ensuring that every project meets the highest standards. Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence set a benchmark for others to follow.

And let's not forget the extensive networks they bring. In an industry where connections can make or break a project, having access to a seasoned professional's contacts can open doors and create opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.


Moving Forward Together

Embracing the experience of retired workers is not just a strategy; it's a necessity. By valuing their contributions and fostering environments that enable them to continue thriving, we ensure the continued success and growth of the construction industry.


Let's work together to challenge age biases and promote inclusivity.


Are you ready to tap into this untapped potential within your team?


Connect with me to explore how we can work together to make this happen.



#AgeInclusion #DiversityAndInclusion #WorkplaceEquality #AgeDiversity #InclusiveWorkplace #UKBusiness #ConstructionIndustry


by Scott Lechley 17 November 2025
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by Scott Lechley 23 October 2025
I'm incredibly proud to share our new strategic guide: For too long, the construction industry has faced a significant gap in diversity. We all know that good intentions and diversity statements aren't enough to create meaningful change. It's time to move beyond words and take real, measurable action to dismantle the systemic barriers that hold talented people back. This document serves as our idea for achieving just that. It outlines a practical, actionable strategy for building a more inclusive and thriving construction industry, one where capability is always met with opportunity, regardless of gender. We believe that fostering diversity isn't just the right thing to do; it's a decisive business advantage that drives innovation, improves safety, and boosts financial performance. Our strategy is built on four core pillars: Re-engineering the Pipeline (Recruitment): We Must Transform How We Attract Talent. This means implementing bias-free hiring processes, such as blind CV reviews, crafting inclusive job descriptions, and forging new partnerships with community organisations to find untapped talent. Overhauling the On-site Culture (Retention). This is the most challenging, yet critical, part. We must establish non-negotiable standards, including zero-tolerance policies for harassment, providing correctly fitting PPE for women, and creating psychologically safe environments where every voice is heard and valued. Creating Pathways for Growth (Advancement) Opportunity is about building a career, not just having a job. The commitment to creating transparent and unbiased promotion tracks, providing targeted leadership training, and implementing formal sponsorship programmes where senior leaders actively champion women's advancement. Accountability From the Top (Leadership) None of this works without genuine leadership buy-in. Change must be driven from the top by setting public, measurable DEI goals and making progress a key performance indicator (KPI) for senior managers, directly linking it to their performance reviews and compensation. I'm attaching the whole document below for you to read and share. Let's start a conversation about how we can work together to build a better, stronger, and more inclusive future for the UK construction industry. What are your thoughts on creating sustainable change? #WomenInConstruction #UKConstruction #DiversityAndInclusion #Leadership #DEI #BreakingBarriers #FutureOfConstruction
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