Some firms reaching out to workers over 50
By Kate Lorenz
CareerBuilder.com
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According to the AARP, 14 percent of today's work force is aged 55 and older, and that number is expected to reach 19 percent by 2012.
That's an increase of more than 10 million workers in this age group. As the American population ages, companies are beginning to realize that older Americans will be a vital part of their work force, and are starting to put programs into place to support and attract workers over 50.
The AARP recently released its report on how companies are attracting and retaining older workers, as well as its list of the "AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50."
They looked at companies in a variety of industries and evaluated businesses in the areas of recruitment practices, continuing opportunities for advancement, flexible work schedules, and benefits for current and retired employees.
The AARP found that while many companies still have a long way to go when it comes to attracting and retaining older workers, there are a number of businesses that have put innovative programs in place that benefit workers over 50.
Deborah Russell, Director of Economic Security for the AARP, says companies are increasingly focusing on this segment of the American work force. In addition, she says, "Industries that are experiencing labor shortages, such as health care, are very focused on this segment."
Russell says companies today are offering older workers more flexible work options and helping them better balance work and family issues. This is particularly important to members of the "sandwich" generation, who often struggle to work, take care of children and provide care for aging parents.
She also says that many companies, in the face of labor shortages, are turning to their own retirees to fill open spots. Bringing a retiree back on board provides a wide range of benefits to the company, as retired workers need less training and are already familiar with company policies and standards.
If you are an older professional and want to make sure you find an employer who is open to workers of all ages, Russell offers the following tips for evaluating a company.
1. Examine the company's recruitment practices: Russell notes you can learn a lot about a company by how and where it recruits employees, as well as what its recruitment materials look like. Is the company recruiting at a variety of job fairs? Is it open to applications from all workers? Does it have a formal program to offer positions to retired workers? Can you see a variety of ages represented in company brochures and other branded materials?
2. Ask about advancement opportunities and training: The AARP found that many of the best companies for older workers have special programs in place to provide employees with advanced and ongoing training, help employees move within the company and offer career counseling. These programs help older workers keep important skills up-to-date. Some companies even offer online courses for employees, which enable older workers to take courses at their own pace.
3. Research the company's benefits: While you might not be able to find out everything about a company's benefits in the early interview process, you can research the company's Web site and other materials to find out what benefits it offers. Many of the companies on the AARP's list have benefits that are particularly attractive to older workers, such as such as allowing 401(k) "catch-up" contributions and time off to care for dependents beyond what is required by law. Some also offer phased retirement programs, and several hospitals on the list offer health care services either at a discount or at no cost to employees covered under company health plans.
4. Examine the overall company image: Take a look at all company materials, including the Web site. What is the image the company is portraying? Also, look around the company when you are interviewing. Do you see other older workers? Ask about the company's mission and goals. Russell says it is important to determine if the company "values its work force, or just its bottom line."
As more and more companies begin to realize the many benefits older workers can offer, Russell says that the best companies realize that, when it comes down to it, all workers want the same thing. "What they want is to be valued, and to have what they bring to the table valued."
For more information about the AARP and its list of the "Best Employers for Workers Over 50," visit the organization's Web site.
Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Other writers contributed to this article.
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