Workforce Prospective Articles

Did you know that America's workforce is getting older? It's true. From 1977 to 2007, the federal government says that workers age 65 and over increased by 101%. Further, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that, over the next seven years, workers age 55 to 64 will increase by 36.5%, and workers 65 and up will soar by more than 80%.

But are companies prepared for what happens when their most experienced people retire, and there are fewer younger workers to take their place?

Forward thinkers see this as an opportunity for savvy companies. The Wall Street Journal has suggestions about how to keep senior staff (see Aging Your Workforce) while continuing to benefit from their knowledge and experience. The article says that older employees "may be more likely to stay with their companies if they can improve their work-life balance, perhaps by having the flexibility to attend a grandchild's school play or care for an ill spouse."

Making your company a comfortable environment for the older worker can help preserve your competitive edge. Some of the ways to achieve this include allowing for telecommuting, flextime, and job-sharing-perks that are attractive to employees of any age. Today's older worker might also prefer to shed some responsibilities. Flexibility and an open mind can create a win-win situation. Consider an idea like this: A senior member of your staff teaches some of her skills to a younger worker, so that she can focus on her other tasks, enabling the two people to job-share.

For more information on this topic, check out the following links:

• Arizona Mature Workforce Initiative
• Arizona Mature Workers blog
• AARP Assessment Tool Helps Employers Prepare for Aging Workforce (AARP)
• Arizona Certifies 'Mature Worker Friendly' Employers (Encore Careers)
• The Older Worker Advantage (VitaNeedle.com)
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Spotlight Highlights Trends towards More Older Workers (Aging Workforce News)