You might think that people who continue working after retirement mainly want to sit at home with a book and a cup of tea. Nothing could be further from the truth. Those who continue working are actually one of the most attractive target groups for the leisure sector – and holiday parks are missing out on this opportunity en masse. The days when people dreamed of the Zwitserleven feeling are behind us. Zwitserleven itself has already discontinued this campaign. Today's retirees enjoy continuing to work, but in a way that suits this stage of life.
Why people continue working
The reasons for continuing to work are more varied than you think:
- Meaning and structure are paramount. After decades of working, stopping completely often feels like an anticlimax. Those who work long hours look for meaningful work that gives structure to their week.
- Social contacts are essential. Work means colleagues, conversations, and a sense of belonging. Many people who continue working miss this social aspect the most when they stop.
- Stay active and vital highly motivating. Persistent workers want to put their experience and energy to good use, not just sit back and relax.
- Financial additional income plays a role, but is rarely the main reason. It's more about appreciation than just the money.
- Flexibility is key. Those who work long hours do want to work, but on their own terms: fewer hours, adjusted schedules, no stress.
Why holiday parks embrace long-term workers
For holiday parks, hard workers are a godsend:
- Reliability: No more sick leave due to hangovers, no no-shows because they suddenly have other plans. Hard workers take their work seriously. After all, they work because they enjoy it.
- Life experience: Decades of experience translate into a natural customer service ethic. They have a knack for putting things into perspective, and are patient with children and demanding parents.
- Flexibility where you need it: Long-term workers can perfectly fill in during peak hours, school holidays, or when colleagues are sick. Especially when regular employees are tied to their schedules.
- Stability: While students leave after a season, those who continue their careers often stay for years. No constant recruiting and training.
- Mentor role: They can mentor younger colleagues and transfer knowledge. A natural leadership role without the stress of management.
- Less HR drama: No conflict over schedules, vacation days, or promotions. Those who work long hours are usually content with their roles and aren't seeking career advancement.
The leisure sector has been struggling with staff shortages for years, especially for service-oriented positions. "Throughworkers" offer the solution: experienced, reliable employees who are exactly what holiday parks need – flexibility, customer service, and stability.
The holiday parks that understand this now will soon be ahead of the competition. There are plenty of hard workers – you just have to know how to find and appreciate them.
With thanks to (author of this article): Gert Buist, founder of ZilverWerkt.
ZilverWerkt has a mission: to normalize working. We have over 12 years of experience with this target group and understand what drives them. ZilverWerkt has extensive experience finding the right employees with the right hospitality DNA.
ZilverWerkt works for Landal, CenterParcs, and Roompot, among others. We also work for many hotels in the Netherlands.
More information: zilverwerkt.nl