More and more Minnesotans are working later in life. Over 70 percent of Minnesotans ages 55 to 64 are employed, and the over 55 workforce holds one in five jobs in Minnesota. There are many reasons for this: people are living longer and healthier lives, and many need to work into their 60s or 70s for financial reasons. Some people who retired from full-time careers may be seeking part-time employment.
Sometimes workers over 55 years of age want to enter a different industry for their "second career." They can bring a wealth of transferable skills to a new workplace, offering employers a valuable resource. When hiring, take advantage of their lifetime of experience by focusing on skills based hiring rather than previous job titles.
- Consider creating a job share program, two part-time positions, to access older workers' desire to work reduced hours
- Explore targeted recruitment to older workers through community non-profits and senior programs
- Develop a "post-retirement" option at your workplace to allow employees to reduce their hours but yet stay at your company
- Create an age-inclusive culture in your organization through onboarding and training, age-neutral policy and language, and age-diverse project teams.
- Reach out to CareerForce to connect with people over 50 who are looking for employment now.
