With diversity and inclusion being a focus for many organisations, comes the need to address misconceptions that have created barriers to hiring job seekers that are considered “too old”.

Research in New Zealand has shown that 59% of older workers are planning to keep working past retirement age. In order to stay competitive, and use the knowledge and experience of older workers, employers must consider ways to appeal to their unique needs. If the future plans of today’s employees include a “working retirement”, employees who are aged 50+ will continue to add significant value to a business.

Here are 9 advantages of hiring a 50+ worker:

1. The older worker can have 30 years of experience or more, and often possesses advanced skills in their field.
2. Many 50+ employees have remained competitive, upgrading their training and education continuously so they are productive. This can save companies the training and ramp-up time associated with younger, less experienced workers.
3. The older worker comes with the maturity to handle work pressures, stress and deadlines; they are accustomed to different management styles and incorporate work philosophies; they have learned how to be successful team players.
4. A strong work ethic and sense of loyalty to employers of choice keeps the mature workforce from job hopping, as opposed to younger employees who tend to change jobs every few years— a very costly source of frustration for employers.
5. 50+ employees are more likely to be in a position to be more flexible in their work schedules. They are at a stage in their lives where they have fewer family commitments—their children are often adults themselves. They can align their time to the requirements of an employer by working full time, part time or on temporary assignments such as on a contract or a project basis.
6. The older and more experienced worker often has enhanced soft skills, such as leadership, team building and communication abilities, giving employers more confidence in their ability to work effectively with other staff.
7. Experienced workers are excellent mentors for younger, less experienced staff. Their solid work ethic and attitude can make them good role models and they are often eager to share what they have learned with others.
8. If part of your customer base is made up of older consumers and clients, older workers can better relate to your customer demographic and better serve your business needs.
9. The older worker is healthier than ever before and living longer. They want to keep contributing to the success of their employer.

Employers that recognise the advantages of hiring the 50+ age group and adopt approaches to meet their needs will show measurable results in their return on investment.

Companies that recognise what older employees can offer and value their expertise and experience need to retain them before they decide to move on, either to full-time retirement, or, to a company that supports their needs. Flexible work schedules, reduced workloads, fewer weeks on the job without impacting pension benefits, cultures that value their strengths, and practices that accommodate their sensory and perceptual changes are just a few of the strategies that employers can implement to retain and motivate older employees.

“In youth we learn; in age we understand.” —Marie Ebner-Eschenbach

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