Every day 10,000 ‘baby boomers’ become eligible for retirement. The problem is most of them either choose not to, or cannot afford to, retire.  These are individuals who have the strongest work ethic, have spent their entire lives learning and mastering the skills necessary to do a job well, and they want to work. In the course of their work lives, they have acquired a great deal of knowledge in how businesses work, including how to deal with difficult situations, how to adapt to changes in the workplace, and how to assist younger workers as they strive to learn.

National Employ Older Workers Week is celebrated September 19-25 this year, and this would be the perfect time to take stock of your thoughts about older workers.  There are many misconceptions that sometimes keep the mature worker from being considered for a job. 

One of the leading stereotypes is that older workers cannot handle new technology, but the facts prove otherwise. A study completed by the Nielsen Company  covering April 2009– March 2010 found that adults over the age of 45 used an average of 1742 minutes of phone time, compared to 1933 minutes used by those 18-34; older individuals are closing the gaps. Not only that, but the 50+ age group is now the biggest share of the market for computers, and dominates new member sign-ups on social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn.

Another stereotype is that older people are unwilling to learn, but ask any university or technical college and they will tell you that the older, non-traditional students are flooding them with applications as they return to school to further their degrees or begin new careers. When we partnered with the University of Akron to do our own study of 50+ individuals and their attitude toward change,  we discovered that a resounding 46% were not only willing to make a change, but actively looking into new career areas.

The next time you have a position, why not consider an older worker. They bring a lot of good traits to the table, and you will not regret your decision.

For more information on hiring older workers, visit our website at www.matureservices.org and click on the Senior Employment Center tab.

Working past the stereotypes

Vol. 2  Issue 8 September 2010

In light of “Employ Older Workers Week”, this seems like a good time to offer congratulations to some companies that saw the wisdom of hiring mature workers.

¨ Home Depot hired Jan M.

¨ ComDoc hired Tom J to fill a position as Supply Administrator.

¨ Manpower in Rockwell hired Ken P.

¨ Rigby Machinery chose to employ Wayne Jordan.

¨ Parts Pro Automotive hired Otis Johnson.

¨ Mature Services filled an opening in the business office by hiring Tom Scudiere.

¨ Novex contacted Mature Staffing Systems and Cynthia Reich was placed with them.

¨ A publishing company in Ravenna gave Barbara P. the job of Advertising Clerk.

¨ Leitner Fabrications in Medina selected Cheryl C . for the position of production coordinator. 

For more information on how you can join these fine companies and hire an older worker, visit our website.

Yes, Virginia, there are companies hiring!

Where Experience Meets Opportunity

The Senior Employment Center is  a division of Mature Services, Inc.

Your best source for qualified candidates

Job Ready  People !

The Senior Employment Center provides community-based services to train, motivate and empower mature job-seekers while maintaining an active partnership with employers leading to increased opportunities for mature workers. More information at: www.matureservices.org

Opportunity Knocks—Akron (Ohio)

Serving Summit County