Forum: Companies should consider channels to keep their retirees connected

I would like to share how a simple Facebook chat group has helped keep former employees of Malaysia-Singapore Airlines and Singapore Airlines connected long after they have left the company. The MSA/SIA Retirees & Ex-Staff Chat Group was set up more than 13 years ago and now has about 1,000 members in Singapore and overseas. It has become a useful way for former colleagues to keep in touch, share news and preserve memories.

Members post news of former colleagues who have passed away, updates from SIA’s in-house publication Outlook, aviation developments, and information about gatherings and activities. Photographs and memories of former colleagues also help preserve the history and camaraderie of the organisation.

For many retirees, these connections become more meaningful with time. People who have worked together for decades share challenges and achievements, and often form friendships that extend beyond the workplace. Retirement need not mean losing that community.

Such platforms are also a simple way of preserving an organisation’s history and culture through the memories of those who helped build it. Perhaps other large companies and organisations with sizeable retiree communities could consider creating similar platforms.

Goy Soong Ngee