Why Hiring Older Workers Makes Sense
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Today's youth-centered society offers little in prospects for an older worker seeking a job. Employers prefer younger candidates even if the credentials of the older candidate are identical. There are many reasons for this but I believe they are based in misconception. For instance, the issue of higher health care costs is a red herring. While older workers may use more health care, they also don't usually have covered dependents. And many are covered already anyway by Medicare or a private plan. Then there's the false assumption that older workers will demand higher pay. Most applicants for a job position have a pretty good idea of what it pays before they apply. Younger managers whine that it will be difficult to tell the older worker what to do. This is an unfounded flaw in the supervisors. Approaching an older worker with respect for their expertise and interests can develop an ideal worker.
Here are 15 good reasons to hire an older worker.
1) BETTER WORK ETHIC - They were brought up in the days when people took pride in their work. They show up on time, they are cheerful.
2) CAN THINK ON THEIR FEET - Having juggled life for so long, older workers are more likely to be able to make quick decisions and get the job done right.
3) THANKFUL - Older workers tend to be content and appreciative of a good day's work. They have no need to claw their way to the top.
4) KNOW PEOPLE - They have been around the block a time or two and know what and what not to expect from other people. Therefore they handle the social aspects of the job better.
5) NOT DISTRACTIONS - Days of turning heads and distracting other workers are gone.
6) NOT SELF-AWARE - Older workers are there to do a job, not to win a popularity or beauty contest.
7) MULTI-TASK - Years of experience have taught the older worker to multi-task. They are calm and handle issues when they arise. They don't tend to make excuses.
8) UNDERSTAND - They know that things don't always go just right. It's okay, they will tackle it again.
9) SMARTER - Really, just ask any of them.
10) GOOD COMPANY -Older workers can see the lighter side of life now.
11) BETTER DRESSED - No dreadlocks, piercings, or tattoos for these workers. Presenting themselves well is part of their job training.
12) GETTING HANDS DIRTY - Older workers don't get up in the morning to go to fun; they get up to go to work. Nothing is below them and they'll dig into any task with gusto.
13) GOOD LISTENERS - There's nothing like an older person who is not your mom or dad to listen to your problems, give advice and offer a cluck or two.
14) CAN CONVERSE - They didn't live all those years without picking up considerable knowledge. They can add to any conversation and talk to anyone.
15) DESERVE IT - They raised you, didn't they?
In Australia, favoring younger workers is outdated. Employers value the work ethic, reliability, and experience the older worker brings. Folks are more active at an older age and make up a vibrant work force. In many jobs, seniors rule.
Sometimes God picks you up from the road you're on and drops you down on another. It is always a challenge to figure out which way you will go.
For more Hubs about seniors, click here -----
http://hubpages.com/_36otspfnata5l/hub/5-Reasons-To-Hook-Granny-To-THe-Internet
And here -----
http://hubpages.com/_36otspfnata5l/hub/Proof-That-Age-Is-Just-A-State-Of-Mind
CommentsLoading...
At the age of 48 I'm already feeling a victim of ageism in the workplace.
I think it is to simplify and to make a stereotype by saying that all elders have these qualities. That no young people feel work ethics and take pride in working.
Although I think its wrong that older people should not be considered a position if they have the right credentials; I strongly believe that a person who wants to work, and wants to do that work well deservs it.
Age, young or old, should have nothing to do with it.
/Alexander Dangler
You are so right and I have experienced this first hand. Returning to work after years of staying home raising kids, was an eye-opener to say the least. I blame it on the 'anything goes' society we live in today.
Great article!
So true! Senior employees are great employees, and loyal and faithful and dedicated too!
I've got one to add: older workers are not obsessed with their technological gadgets and won't be distracted by the constant bings and tweets of their cell phones!
To my mind, the greatest asset of the older worker is the wisdom that comes with age.
I've noticed that even the most hare-brained (hare as in rabbit) of my old friends now exhibit a certain wisdom.
Great Hub Suzie!
All these points are wo0nderful points why we should go for old workers but what of efficiency?
good points! thanks
















ethel smith Level 3 Commenter 2 years ago
As someone the wrong side of 55 I have to agree.