In what could be termed as an effort to combat ageism in harnessing human resource for constructive purposes, ExpertEase, an online networking initiative by HR Trust, was launched recently.

It aims to tap into the available expertise and wisdom of retired people who could well make up for the dearth of experienced heads in Indian companies.

www.seniorexperts.org, the web portal of the Trust, also offers avenues to the retirati who want to engage with social or civic issues along with NGOs and government agencies who are in need of volunteers.

Brainchild

The website is the brainchild of Strategic HR adviser Hema Ravichandar (former HR head, Infosys) and Feedback Consulting CMD  V Ravichandar. Its objective is to help retired persons over 55 to work in tandem with companies, NGOs and government agencies.

In India, people retire early while they still have the potential to contribute  another 10-15 years of service, said Mr Ravichandar.

“As we’ve started operations only 10 days ago, we’ve a few companies and retired people lined up but we hope to register another 10,000 senior citizens and ‘align’ them with the needs of 200 to 300 companies and NGOs over time,” he said.

Not spent forces

The retired and the elderly say the website offers them part-time and full-time options of getting meaningfully engaged. While lending their expertise to companies can earn them consulting income, volunteer work can ‘satiate’ their interest, says Mr Ravichandar.

HR Trust, in collaboration with other NGOs, also has initiatives for economically challenged merit students and one providing vocational training to school and college dropouts.

There is registration fee. Log on to www.seniorexperts.org for details.