The Value of Hiring and Keeping Mature Workers

A recent study by Strategy One, a market research firm, concluded that baby boomers don’t consider themselves old until the age of “74” and that 78% believe there are still opportunities open and available to them. Another study by AARP reports that 70% of boomers plan on working well past retirement age. What do these statistics indicate?

It shows that baby boomers are still a valuable resource in the work force and that their significance needs to be recognized and embraced. Boomers bring some special qualities to a company that they won’t find in their younger employees.

First, baby boomers are dedicated and loyal workers. If a boomer is still working in their same job for many years, it must mean they like it and want to keep it. Therefore, they will not be looking for better opportunities elsewhere or be inclined to job hop. In addition, their vast experience enables them to handle complicated situations with delicate diplomacy and to understand workplace politics with genuine finesse. They are generally endowed with invaluable skills like customer service and management programs that are also hard to replace.

We, boomers, are health conscious and determined to stay fit and “young” for as long as possible. Research indicate that we won’t be entering assisted living/nursing homes until the 80’s, as compared to 20 years ago when 65 was old. We want to remain active, vital and productive. Companies need to realize that before they force retirement on any senior employee, they should examine their total worth, including business assets and other valuable qualities that contribute to the future of the organization.