The job market is a cut-throat place these days, but is it extra difficult for older workers? The consensus seems to be “yes”. The questions that arise may include: are they less qualified? Less hardworking? Or is it that younger workers are less expensive? These are the questions that are instigating conversations across the job market. We have narrowed down some reasons older workers may be suffering when battling for a job against their younger competition.
- Older workers have established preferences and skills; younger workers are flexible and can be placed more easily into an assortment of positions.
- Older workers tend to have more experience, which means they are more valuable but also cost more to employ.
- Younger workers have grown up with the newest technology.
Although some of these statements may or may not apply to you personally, employers have generally seen trends depicting them to be true in a general sense. However, there are multiple reasons that hiring an older worker could be beneficial for your company. These reasons may include:
- Because of their experience, older workers tend to do much better than younger workers in moments of crisis.
- Dedicated workers produce higher quality work, which can result in savings for you.
- Older workers make great employees because they’re easier to train; older employees tend to be great listeners and typically have to be told what to do once.
- Older workers make excellent mentors and role models, which is beneficial to have when training other employees.
Older workers’ skills, values and ability to save your company time and money make the matter of hiring them more desirable when you consider their lower turnover rate. The next time your company needs to make a hiring decision, consider older workers having them on staff. If you could use help filling your executive-level, positions contact us today.
