For the past ten years researchers have been warning of the future shortage of workers in North America: The mass exodus of Baby Boomers is going to cripple organizations. On paper this looks very real, but reality shows a different story.
Recent Stats Canada studies show that the threat of severe labour shortages is receding as more baby boomers elect not to flee employment for what has come to be known as “Freedom 55.”
Why aren’t they leaving? Stats Can found that there is an increasing desire among those over 55 to continue working: out of interest or financial concerns, a social shift brought on by a tight labour market, skill shortages and the elimination of mandatory retirement. All indications are that the trend of high percentages of older workers in the labour force will continue.
The service industries are the home to more than their share of older workers - 75% - because they are willing to shift careers and continue to contribute by applying their skills in these less physically demanding and/or responsible positions.
When you are considering hiring older workers, you need to look beyond work history at these HiringSmart characteristics:
□ Do they learn quickly and not get caught up in the wrong details?
□ Do they take personal responsibility or accountability for their own actions?
□ Do they have a sense of humour and know how to use it appropriately to defuse stress and conflict, and engage and encourage others?
Hewitt and Associates released the results of an employer survey giving the types of flexible arrangements available to some or all employees. How many are options in your organization?
□ Flexible work hours
□ Compressed schedules
□ Job-sharing
□ Sabbaticals
□ Virtual Work Arrangements
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