How to Handle Somone Gearing Down for Retirement

Creating Disney Magic

Imagine a basketball team where one player decides to stay in the offensive end of the court because it is easier for him. Running up and down the court is hard work. Would the other players allow it? Would the coach allow it? No way! And it should not be allowed in the workplace either.

Yet, it happens all the time. Specifically, it happens as employees are getting close to retirement. People should not "gear down" for retirement. Whether an employee retires in 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months. They have a responsibility to work as hard as ever and produce results.

Some call it Retired on Duty.

If someone is retired on duty, it is a leadership problem. Someone is letting it happen.

Being retired on duty is unethical and unprofessional. If it is happening in your organization you can step in. In fact, you should step in. You have the opportunity to step in and be an advocate for the right thing.

When you accept someone who has retired on duty, it is a step in making the company worse. Other employees see how leadership handles this situation. If this person is allowed to get away with it, the company will start sliding in the wrong direction.