Employers welcome older workers

Here's an interesting article from an AARP publication. Find it at

http://www.aarp.org/money/careers/flexiblework/a2004-04-08-careers-clues.html

Clues an Employer Welcomes Older Workers

  Age neutral: All opportunities and rules apply the same to   everyone, regardless of how old or young they are. To avoid   future labor shortages, some smart employers are making their   workplaces more age neutral with respect to their policies and   benefits. They're using a number of different practices to   attract and keep older workers. They know that the U.S. workforce   will soon face labor shortages. When the baby boomers begin to   retire in 2011, there will not be enough younger workers to   replace them.

  These employers use creative recruiting to find qualified   employees of all ages. They hire, evaluate, and promote employees   in age neutral ways. And they train managers, supervisors, and   workers on how to benefit from age diversity.

  Clues to Look For

  If you're wondering how age neutral a current or potential   employer might be, look for these clues for the best employers   for workers over 50:

  Recruiting

• Job ads mention maturity, good judgment, and work experience.  
• Ads appeal to workers of many ages.  
• Ads are placed in publications, on Web sites, and with   agencies used by job seekers of many ages.  

  Training

• New skill training is offered to workers of all ages.  
• Different kinds of skill training are   available—classroom, individualized, mentoring, coaching,   job rotation.  
• Employer strongly encourages older workers to take part in   all trainings.  

  Health Benefits

• In addition to health benefits that include prescription   drugs, employer offers extras like long-term care insurance and   short- and long-term disability insurance.  
• Wellness is emphasized with health screenings, fitness   programs, and special classes.  
• Benefit packages are flexible, to appeal to workers of   different ages.  

  Pension Plans

• Employer contributes to employee retirement accounts.  
• Longer-term employees have defined-benefit pension plans.  
• Retirement saving incentives are offered, such as profit   sharing or stock options.  

  Alternative Work Arrangements

• Workers of all ages can use flexible schedules, such as   flextime, telecommuting, and periodic time off for family   caregiving responsibilities.  
• Phased retirement lets older workers decrease work hours   gradually.  
• Retirees can return to work part-time when needed.  

  How Can You Benefit From Age Neutral Trends?

  If you are searching for a job, use the chart to negotiate with a   new employer. Ask about age neutral benefits before you sign on.

  If you are employed, use the chart to suggest and request age   neutral benefits. Refer your employer to the AARP resources   below. The examples might be just what your company needs to   start making some changes.

  These age neutral benefits can help you make the transition to   the next phase of your work life. And they can keep you at work   when your employer needs you.