Corporate recycling programs have gone from exclusive to expected. Many companies today recycle their paper, wood products, metal, ink cartridges, computer equipment, etc.. These items are reshaped or refilled so they can be a renewable source of supply. So businesses see the benefit of recycling hard resources, but what about your soft resources?

A recent Business Week article stated that a large portion of the workforce will be retiring over the next 10 to 20 years. An example given is the U.S. government workforce, which will retire half of their current employees in the next 5 to 7 years.

As members of the boomer generation exit the workforce will their knowledge, talent, and leadership go with them? Is retirement a landfill of innovation and leadership that never returns into the business ecosystem?

Companies need to develop not only retirement plans for their workers, but recycling plans for the hard knowledge and soft skills these employees can pass on to budding leaders. By implementing mentorship programs, you can begin to narrow the information and leadership gap. Also, pay attention to where your senior personnel are spending their time. Don’t bury them under paperwork and projects. Encourage them to share their experiences and wisdom. Give them a platform. Give them an audience.

Sir Isaac Newton is quoted as saying, “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” Don’t load down the shoulders of your “giants” with busy work. In the process, you deny your future leaders from seeing further.