50+ workers: Do they possess the qualities employers seek?

By: State: Nevada | Source: AARP.org

Top Worker Qualities Nearly Identical

When asked about the top employee characteristics they seek when hiring, employers identified: Commitment to doing quality work, someone you can count on in a crisis, reliable performance records, customer service orientation as the top four qualities they want to see in their employees. Asked about the qualities of their older workers, employers identified nearly the same characteristics, with commitment to doing quality work, commitment to deadlines, ability to manage in a crisis, reliable performance records and solid customer service. For those 50+ who find themselves looking for a job, this should come as welcome news.

Finding Qualified Workers is a Challenge

Businesses in the three most populous Nevada counties identified finding employees with the right skills and qualifications to be their number one worry when it comes to workforce concerns. Fifty-three percent in Clark County, 59 percent in Douglas County/Carson City and 58 percent in Washoe County suggested it had been their top challenge over the last five years. Even with the current economic downturn, the majority of respondents felt that this trend was ongoing and likely to continue over the next five years according to the survey, The Boomer Factor: Rethinking an Underutilized Workforce in Nevada.

Brain Drain Impacting Business Costs

As baby boomers leave the workforce, "brain drain" has the potential to become a serious problem for business. Worker shortages and challenges with retaining organization knowledge are already negatively impacting such industries as healthcare, engineering and teaching. The current recession gives business an opportunity to rethink their hiring strategies to gain a competitive edge in the future.

Michael Traficanti, Senior Vice President of Human Resources with Nevada Federal Credit Union, one of AARP's 2008 Best Employers for Workers Over 50, is one of the hiring managers who truly understand the value of the company's workers. "NFCU workers that have been with us for years are familiar with the unique regulations and standards that are common to our industry. They are also invaluable for assisting with cross training new employees. Along that same line, seasoned job seekers are highly revered when we have new positions to fill."

Shifting Demographics, Shifting Thinking

At AARP, we are working with business to help shift their thinking about the workforce. By creating more opportunity for older workers, who may seek more flexible schedules such contract work, part-time and other nontraditional employment, they also open the door to a wider labor pool of potential employees.

In Nevada, a volunteer corps of chamber ambassadors participate in chamber and business association meetings and provide business leaders with information on the value of older workers, how shifting demographics in the workforce will impact their business operations, and how shifting their thinking on hiring practices could positively impact their bottom line.

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