April Hire Results for Businesses

It Makes Sense to Recruit, Hire, and Retain Boomers

Baby boomers comprise one of the largest pools of prospective employees – 77 million and counting to be more precise. AARP reports that at least 50 % of workers over the age of 50 plans to work past retirement, or in many cases, are already doing just that. Despite the misperception that baby boomers will be more expensive than younger workers, less tech savvy, and have more health issues, many employers are finding out that just the opposite is true. Read on to find out why it is good business to recruit, hire, and retain baby boomers.

Experience – they have it

Instead of viewing baby boomer job seekers as a glass half empty at the end of their career life span, businesses need to see the glass as full to the brim. Boomers bring experience that has been gained through long-term, real world job experiences. This experience enables them to bring a unique and informed perspective that younger workers just cannot have.

They already get it

Boomer job seekers understand the importance of, and more importantly, possess hard to cultivate soft skills including strong interpersonal skills, commitment, punctuality, a eagerness to learn, and a willingness to pass on their knowledge to younger co-workers.

Health matters

In contrast to the notion that baby boomers will tax health insurance benefits, the reality is that many baby boomers are more health conscious and hence, more healthy. Another benefit is that boomers are likely to have fewer dependents as their children are grown.

Win-Win with Flexibility and Part-Time Work

As businesses work to make their bottom lines strong, the ability to hire workers who are flexible and seek part-time options is a big bonus. Boomers who choose to continue working past retirement often times want to find a balance between earning some income and living a semi-retired lifestyle. This works well for employers with dwindling staffing budgets.

As businesses consider their staffing needs as the second quarter of 2008 gets underway, boomers should be at the top of the list of prospective employees.

Sources consulted for this article:
1. “Why Hiring Boomers and Matures may be a company’s best hiring strategy yet”. http://babyboomerinsights.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/05/
   why_hiring_boom.html Accessed: 3-18-08
2. “Picking from the Baby Boomer Pool”. http://www.kellyservices.us/eprise/main/web/us/hr_manager/
   articles_aug07_babyboomer?division=kel Accessed: 3-18-08