Outsourcing - hire older workers

Outsourcing jobs out of the country continues to be popular as a strategy to reduce costs, but businesses should take a strong look at hiring older workers already available nearby to supplement or increase the workforce. There are plenty of highly skilled experienced candidates in all regions of the country and many, if not all, want to continue being part of the workforce on a part-time or full-time basis. Hundreds of thousands of older people with skills in production, design, management, accounting, marketing and many other areas have been removed from business and corporate payrolls in recent years and many are available for half-time or more work.

Downsizing companies in an effort to reduce costs has added a large number of older employees to the retired and unemployed universe. Many have 20, 30 or more years of business skills and valuable talents that can make businesses more productive without relying on overseas workers. Many would even be willing to work at lower pay levels than when formerly employed now that they have part-time income from retirement or other sources.

Read the following complete story on benefitting from hiring older workers from the Fayetteville Observer...

Fayetteville Observer
June 17, 2007
Harry Payne - Chairman, NC Employment Security Commission
Employers can benefit from hiring older workers

Today’s concept of an “older worker” no longer is the stereotype of an individual nearing retirement.

Older workers now are vibrant, talented individuals whose years of expertise are highly valued and are being looked upon by employers as respected and knowledgeable individuals in the prime of working life.

Just take a closer look in your own community. The new business owner down the street, the consultant hired by your firm — chances are they are older workers.

Eighty-four percent of baby boomers (ages 37 to 55) currently participate in the labor market, and baby boomers make up nearly 50 percent of the work force. As the baby boomer population ages, the growth rate of the workforce between ages 55 to 64 will be the highest in the United States.

By 2008, one in six workers will be over 55. By 2030, more Americans will be over the age of 65 than under 18. Most of these individuals will still be working — some out of necessity and some by choice. Consequently, as our state’s work force becomes older and more experienced, North Carolina employers will benefit from hiring older workers whose skills, work ethic and leadership will be reaching an aging customer base.

The N.C. Employment Security Commission encourages employers to recognize the attributes that older workers can bring to their businesses. These include loyalty and dedication to the company, commitment to doing quality work, dependability, solid performance record and experience in a job or industry, and the ability to get along well with co-workers.

There are so many false assumptions about older workers and their ability to perform well on the job. The fact is older workers provide stability. They have a lower turnover rate than younger employees do. And, as the population ages, it will be a strong advantage to have older employees who can relate to older customers.

The ESC has older worker specialists in most of its 93 offices across the state who serve as a resource for this important group, assisting in job placement and referral, resume and interview preparation, and identifying suitable training options.

Over the past year, the ESC has placed thousands of older workers in new jobs. For more information about employment services for older workers, contact your nearest ESC office.

Harry E. Payne Jr. is chairman of the N.C. Employment Security Commission.