Introduction
Everywhere you go, you hear the same lament: there aren't enough people to fill the vacancies in the workplace. For example, Bloomberg reports that there are currently 11.3 million vacant positions. Yet, I believe that large and small organizations overlook a talented and productive pool of potential employees - the senior citizen.
The United States Census Bureau predicts that by 2030, 20% of the population will be 65 or older. This means there will be more senior citizens than ever before! A. While young people have their own set of skills that make them great employees (think energy and adaptability), there are benefits to hiring seniors as well:
1. There are plenty of skilled, senior-level workers available.
While many skilled, senior-level workers are available, businesses often hesitate to hire them because managers think you cannot teach old dogs new tricks. But what if I told you that there's actually something in it for you?
Because older workers tend to be more reliable than younger workers—they are less likely to quit or get fired—you won't have to worry about replacing them as frequently. This means not only that they will stay with your company longer but also that they will produce higher overall quality work than their younger counterparts.
2. Older employees bring wisdom and experience to the table.
Older workers have a lifetime of experience and knowledge. One doesn't get "old" without learning a few things along the way. Seniors have had to problem-solve, adapt to new conditions, and learn new technologies to stay competitive. They have had decades to learn to "play well in the sandbox" and often have no need to prove themselves. This allows them to focus on delivering quality work without the drama that office competition can bring.
3. Older employees are communicators and like to build relationships
Today's older workers grew up in the era of F2F communication and customer service. They are often inclined to really listen to a customer and then actively engage in delivering the product or service requested with genuine concern. Hire a skilled senior, train and treat them well, and you will have a loyal brand ambassador.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why companies should consider hiring older workers. They have a wealth of experience and skills, they can earn their loyalty through mutual respect, and their network of contacts can benefit the organization. Companies must stay ahead of the curve in today's competitive business world by implementing new strategies like this one.
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