Company takes on new employee

Brigitte Halter, now 57, had worked since she was 16 but after two recent years’ unemployment had all but given up hope of getting another job. However, she persevered and, last September, she started work again, this time at the Anderhub Druck Service AG printing company in Rotkreuz, where she will be in the graphic data processing and accounting departments.
 
“I thought I was too old to get another job,” she said, as she explained how she had nevertheless sent off her CV to the Anderhub company, listing all her qualifications including that of typographer and graduate in commerce, half expecting to be told her application had not been successful. “When they asked me to go for an interview I was delighted, though still a little guarded, as I knew older employees were more expensive,” she said.
 
Talking about the latest recruit to the company, Isabelle Anderhub said how she had had no hesitation in taking on Halter. Along with her 34-year-old sister, Yvonne (in the centre of the photograph), Isabelle, 37, (on the left) runs this family business with its 18 employees along with their brother Philipp, 25. Their parents, Zita and Peter Anderhub, set up the company and still work there but are gradually reducing their involvement.
 
As Yvonne Anderhub went on to say, “We knew from the outset she would fit in well with us. Halter’s age was not important; in fact being older can have its advantages,” she said. Now it is hoped the 57-year-old will remain with her new employer until retirement, if not even longer, perhaps helping out when other members of staff go on holiday.
 
That engaging older staff has its advantages in other ways, too. “Younger employees often want time off to go travelling or embark on further training, or re-training. Then they may want children or men have to go off and do their military service and attend refresher courses,” said Isabelle. “This is why we feel it is important to have a range of ages in our team. Of course it is not appropriate to engage a person over 50 for some jobs, but, in this case, we wanted someone with experience.”
 
Halter herself (on the right in the photograph) is only too well aware of any shortcomings she may have. “I know I might not be the quickest when it comes to new technology,” she admitted, “but I know my new employers are patient and I can always ask if there are problems.”
 
The Anderhubs are well aware it is not easy for older people to find work. “What is needed is a change in attitude on the part of society and politics. We realise employing people older than 50 generally means paying higher wages and contributions and they do have a right to longer holidays, too. As for the employees themselves, for their part, they must also be prepared to accept a lower wage. These days, even at the age of 65, people might still have another 30 years ahead of them, so it is only logical that people should be prepared to work a bit longer.”
 
A related article to this can be found on today's Panorama page.