Workplace discussions podcast one transcript

Example 1

This is an example of the line manager, Steve interviewing employee, Jim, who is nearing 65. The line manager obviously would prefer Jim to leave, and is not too aware of age discrimination issues, never mind how a workplace discussion should take place.

Jim has been with the company for over 20 years and has worked his way up from a junior post to a relatively senior position. He is currently the oldest member of his team and is competing for sales with young graduates who generally spend a few years with the company getting experience before moving on somewhere else.

Steve has been with the organisation for seven years and when he started Jim was actually his line manager. He has experience of dealing with staff, but sometimes struggles with Jim as he feels he must try to respect his age. As a result he tends to blurt things out to get past the situation.

Line Manager Steve – S

Employee Jim – J

S – Thanks for coming in today Jim, I’ve been meaning to catch up with you for the last few months.

J - No problem. What did you want to talk about?

S – Well, we need to do a review of your work this year, plus I’ve had a look at your personnel file and have noticed that you’re going to be 65 in a few months, so I wanted to know what your plans are?

J – I hadn’t really thought about it, do I need to tell you today?

S – No, no, not today but we do need to discuss what is going to happen as it is very important for me to be able to plan the work of the team after you have gone, I mean, I assume you’re going?

J – That’s not my only option is it? And why am I having a review of my work, you’ve never done this before, am I doing something wrong?

S – No, no, not at all, it’s just something we like to do when employees reach a certain age so they understand the options available to them. I assumed you would want to leave when you hit 65, but yes, we can explore options for staying if that’s what you want to do.

Why don’t we start by having a look at your performance so far this year – any problems?

J – No, no, well, it’s been a bit of a slow year with the recession but I think my sales have been quite good, certainly better than some of the others on the team. I did struggle a bit a few months ago when I injured my arm playing tennis, but I’m back up to full speed now I think.

S – Hmm…full speed. Interesting, ‘cause I think you have struggled to maintain your sales figures and I worry how you’re going to cope in the future. I mean we’re introducing this new IT system and everything is going to be linked to our social networking updates. How do you think you’re going to cope with that at your age?

J – I’m actually really into IT, I did a course last year and found all the developments fascinating, plus I’m an avid Tweeter so that sounds like a great idea.

I’m a bit confused, though, about your concern over my sales figures. You have never mentioned anything before; can you tell me specifically what is wrong?

S – Well, I know the team doesn’t have strict targets but I noticed that some of the younger members of the team have made visits, a lot more visits than you…

J – But I have established contracts so don’t need to make the same number of visits…

S – Of course, of course. Anyway, future plans are my main focus today. You said you haven’t decided for sure what you want to do, but what would you like to do? Retirement seems like heaven to me!

J – Well I lost quite a lot of money in the banking crisis last year and giving up work is not really an option for me at the moment. I don’t know how long I want to stay for? But, do I need to give you a time limit?

S – Well, an idea of an end date would be helpful, but as long as you keep performing you can stay on. Just be aware that you’ll expected to have the same standard of work as the rest of the team – there are no special perks just cause you’re a senior citizen! Also we need to have these discussions more regularly so that I can be kept informed of any changes in your plans and monitor your performance more closely.

J – And is everyone on the team going to have these discussions?

S – Only those near retirement age – there’s no need to do it with the rest of them. I’ll get back to you. Good speaking to you.

J – Yeah. Thanks…