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Message For Employers

Message to Employers

Passport To Employment is designed to assist employers:

  • who are prepared to hire mature workers ages 55-64

  • create a specific skills training package for prospective employees

  •  observe prospective employees on site, at no cost to the employer, for 2-3 weeks through the Bridge Training which is part of the Passport Program.

The experts say companies that ignore stereotypes and look objectively at older workers will outdistance their competitors because they have discovered a growing pool of talent and experience that is often overlooked.

 

A key goal of Passport to Employment will be to develop strategies that connect employers to mature workers.

 

What is the work ethic of mature workers?

  • Employers who hire older workers find mature workers:
  • Understand the importance of customer service
  • Respond positively to new technology
  • Are innovative
  • Exhibit good judgment
  • Are less likely to be involved in work-related accidents
  • Are committed to their employers
  • Demonstrate excellent attendance
  • Are likely to stay on a long-term basis

Studies show productivity is not a function of age

  • Older workers' accuracy & dependability can actually increase productivity.
  • On average older workers take fewer sick days each year; 80% of all older workers have no chronic health problems; and, older workers account for only 9.7 of workplace injuries.
  • In general age does not increase the cost of fringe benefits. Benefits such as vacation, disability, life & pension are a function of wage & longevity - not age.
  • Older workers stay with the same employer an average of 15 years, versus 4 years for workers in their 20's and 30's.
  • The ability to learn does not decline with age, and older workers are more likely to complete training programs than their younger counterparts.
  • Maturity is a benefit in evaluating new information & making reliable, consistent decisions.
  • Adaptability is unrelated to age.  Studies have shown a younger worker can be just as inflexible as an older worker.

Study of 240 companies regarding older workers revealed the following:

  • Are thorough & reliable
  • Have lower turnover rates
  • Adapt well to change
  • Can and want to learn new skills
  • Don’t miss work due to health.