Lessons on Wisdom from Netflix’s Nonnas: Empowering Older Workers

In the 2025 Netflix dramedy 'Nonnas,' starring Vince Vaughn as Joe Scaravella, the narrative unfolds around a Brooklyn man confronting personal loss while striving to revitalize his life through the establishment of a Staten Island restaurant. This film serves not only as a poignant exploration of grief but also as a compelling commentary on the invaluable contributions of older workers in the modern workforce. Scaravella’s restaurant, Enoteca Maria, becomes a vibrant hub where Italian grandmothers, referred to as 'nonas,' share their culinary expertise, thereby demonstrating the profound impact that experience and wisdom can have on organizational culture and innovation.

The film highlights that older workers can be essential contributors rather than mere relics of the past. In an interview with TIME Magazine, Scaravella emphasizes, "This is not a restaurant; it’s a cultural exchange." This statement encapsulates the essence of Enoteca Maria, where the act of cooking transcends food preparation to become a medium for cultural transmission and community engagement.

The demographic landscape of the workforce is shifting significantly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), it is projected that workers aged 65 and older will account for nearly 60% of total labor force growth between 2022 and 2032. The labor force participation rate for adults aged 75 and older has steadily risen to 8.3% in 2023 and is expected to reach 10.1% by 2033. In Canada, Statistics Canada reports that the labor force participation rate for those aged 70 and older has more than doubled from approximately 3.0% in 2000 to 6.7% in 2023, reflecting similar trends across North America.

Furthermore, research by i4cp indicates that while organizations recognize the necessity of knowledge transfer, many still struggle to implement effective practices for capturing and sharing critical insights. This challenge is compounded by a corporate tendency to marginalize older employees, often relegating them to advisory roles or dismissing them entirely due to perceptions of high costs or decreased productivity. However, 'Nonnas' illustrates that wisdom, when actively applied, fosters an environment of collaboration and growth, allowing both younger and older workers to thrive together.

Innovation is frequently misconceived as an attribute exclusive to younger generations. Yet, 'Nonnas' redefines this narrative by showcasing scenes where the nonas employ their accumulated knowledge to create innovative dishes, demonstrating that older workers excel in complex and ambiguous situations. A significant body of research supports this notion; older adults often outperform their younger counterparts in strategic decision-making and judgment-based tasks. For instance, a 2022 study published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior by Dr. Emily Thompson, Professor of Management at the University of California, Berkeley, indicates that generational diversity within teams enhances problem-solving capabilities and fosters creative outcomes.

The film further challenges the conventional career ladder model, which often dictates that employees must climb until they are pushed out or encounter obstacles. Instead, 'Nonnas' promotes the idea of contribution across all life stages, emphasizing that experience can remain active and relevant. The nonas in Scaravella’s restaurant are not merely ornamental figures; they are integral to the business's success, embodying the concept that the wisdom of older workers can be a cornerstone for sustained organizational achievement.

As the demographic crisis begins to escalate in the Western world, organizations that ignore the contributions of older employees do so at their own peril. The lessons imparted through 'Nonnas' serve as a clarion call for leaders to recognize and embrace the value of wisdom, ensuring that experience does not expire but continues to enrich the workplace culture and drives innovation.