Clues an Employer Welcomes Older Workers

By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-08-18 11:10:14.310212-04:00

Age neutral: All opportunities and rules apply the same to everyone, regardless of how old or young they are. To avoid future labor shortages, some smart employers are making their workplaces more age neutral with respect to their policies and benefits. They're using a number of different practices to attract and keep older workers. They know that the U.S. workforce will soon face labor shortages. When the baby boomers begin to retire in 2011, there will not be enough younger workers to replace them.

These employers use creative recruiting to find qualified employees of all ages. They hire, evaluate, and promote employees in age neutral ways. And they train managers, supervisors, and workers on how to benefit from age diversity.

Clues to Look For

If you're wondering how age neutral a current or potential employer might be, look for these clues for the best employers for workers over 50:

Recruiting

  • Job ads mention maturity, good judgment, and work experience.
  • Ads appeal to workers of many ages.
  • Ads are placed in publications, on Web sites, and with agencies used by job seekers of many ages.

Training

  • New skill training is offered to workers of all ages.
  • Different kinds of skill training are available—classroom, individualized, mentoring, coaching, job rotation.
  • Employer strongly encourages older workers to take part in all trainings.

Health Benefits

  • In addition to health benefits that include prescription drugs, employer offers extras like long-term care insurance and short- and long-term disability insurance.
  • Wellness is emphasized with health screenings, fitness programs, and special classes.
  • Benefit packages are flexible, to appeal to workers of different ages.

Pension Plans

  • Employer contributes to employee retirement accounts.
  • Longer-term employees have defined-benefit pension plans.
  • Retirement saving incentives are offered, such as profit sharing or stock options.

Alternative Work Arrangements

  • Workers of all ages can use flexible schedules, such as flextime, telecommuting, and periodic time off for family caregiving responsibilities.
  • Phased retirement lets older workers decrease work hours gradually.
  • Retirees can return to work part-time when needed.

How Can You Benefit From Age Neutral Trends?

If you are searching for a job, use the chart to negotiate with a new employer. Ask about age neutral benefits before you sign on.

If you are employed, use the chart to suggest and request age neutral benefits. Refer your employer to the AARP resources below. The examples might be just what your company needs to start making some changes.

These age neutral benefits can help you make the transition to the next phase of your work life. And they can keep you at work when your employer needs you.

AARP Resources

  • AARP Awards 25 Best Employers for Workers Over 50
    Find more details about what these companies are doing to attract and keep older workers.
  • Designer Retirement
    The federal government's looking into flexible work schedules. See why this is good news for you.

Additional Resources

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