ARTICLES

Mature Workers Are An Incredible Resource

By Mathieu Powell
Posted: Thursday, June 25th, 2009

If you want your company to succeed into the future, you will be wise to advise your Human Resources department to start hiring mature adults.

Next year, nearly 40 percent of Canadian workers will be over the age of 45.  And by 2056, one-quarter of Canada's population will be over 65. That means every business will have at least one senior customer in four. Your customers will no doubt wonder what's wrong with a company that doesn't have at least some people their own age serving them. 

Mature workers are an incredible resource. In fact, some say they are one of the biggest untapped and growing natural resources in North America today. Seniors can bring a great deal of stability to your workforce which often lacks the "life wisdom" older employees possess.

Seniors today are full of zest and energy. They know how to learn and they can substantially enhance your business.

Employers, however, may have some misconceptions about what a senior employee looks like.

Common Myths about Older Workers

Older workers are not long-term employees.
Actually, older workers are more loyal and stay longer than their younger counterparts.  They stay with the same employer for an average of 15 years compared with the average four years workers in their 20's and 30's will provide.  Older workers' higher retention rates and loyalty can reduce an employer's expenses by reducing turnover costs.

Older workers are less productive.
Productivity is not a function of age; Older workers are more likely to be more accurate and dependable than younger workers which can increase productivity.  Maturity is a benefit in evaluating new information and making consistent and reliable decisions.

Training costs are higher
Because older workers aged 65 and up have the highest job satisfaction rating of any age group and the lowest turnover, they are more likely to complete training programs.  Not only that, but their stay work life of an older adult will usually exceed the life of any new technology they may be trained for.

Older workers have failing health
Poor health isn't reflected in workplace statistics.  On average each year, older workers take fewer work days off for illness and 80 percent of older workers have no chronic health problems.  And, because of their life experience and wisdom, older workers account for only eight percent of workplace injuries.

Can't teach an old dog new tricks
It is proven that adaptability and general intelligence is not related to age, and the ability to learn new skills does not decline with age.  Studies have also shown that a younger worker can be just as "strong-willed" as any older worker.

Are you looking for quality employees? Consider hiring mature workers. You will gain life experienced, loyal and safety conscious employees who will relate best to nearly half your customers - older adult consumers.

If you are interested in hiring mature employees, consider advertising in Senior Living magazine.  We reach over 100,000 readers per month - across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.  Call 250-479-4705 for rates and campaign options.

View All Articles by Mathieu Powell

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Comments

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I am currently looking to move to comox to be near to my brother and his family. I live in England and I am a Senior Care Worker NVQ3 trained, I have been a carer since I was 11 years of age I have taken a couple of year out to do other job opportunities which I have found very interesting but my pastion is working with the elderly. I found your article on Mature Workers very interesting and would be very gratefull for any information you could provide me in assisting me to find employment in the comox area. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Yours Faithfully Sue Fawcett.

Posted by: Mrs Sue Fawcett | August 11th, 2010

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