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The age taboo in workplaces means we miss out on talent

26 Apr, 2022

Our obsession with youth, tech and flexibility is leading to a loss of institutional memory and experience Would you apply for a job which requires you to be "dynamic" or a "digital native"? If you're over 40, it might not be worth bothering. Until recently, it looked as though Generation X had never had it so good. But age discrimination is alive and well — and the exodus of older workers in the pandemic may be...

Employing and supporting older workers - advantages of employing and retaining older workers

20 Sep, 2021

Age diversity can bring benefits to your business. Many employers value the experience and loyalty that older workers can bring. There may also be broader advantages for others within the workplace. Working in an age-diverse team brings benefits, including fresh perspectives, knowledge-sharing and improved problem solving. Employing older workers can bring the following advantages to your business: Experience...

Why 2021 will be a good year for Kiwis

07 Jan, 2021

Every year Kiwis keenly anticipate the Christmas and New Year break and the chance to enjoy summer with family and friends. However, many of us feel as though we staggered to the finish line of 2020 after a year that often felt exhausting and never-ending. Covid-19 has caused massive upheaval - to our lives and livelihoods. But I'm optimistic about 2021. You need only talk to colleagues, friends or family overseas to realise how...

The “forgotten” mature aged workers and their plight - Nov 2020

11 Nov, 2020

The Labour Market Statistics for the quarter end September 2020 were recently released. Tracking the 55+ underutilisation rate, i.e. the number unemployed or underemployed , the total for the 55+ is now 60,700 or 16% of all people available for work – this is up from 57,000 in June 2020. As we work our way through these challenging times, one segment of New Zealanders that needs support now more than ever is our pool of mature aged...

Job Search Tips When You’re Over 50

08 Jul, 2020

I have received several recent reader questions about job search tips when you’re over 50: When you are an older unemployed professional in your late 50's how do you survive and what strategies should you use to navigate through these difficult times we are currently in? – Thea What are the best career pivot options and tactics for workers over 60? — Ken Is there a point in pursuing/reigniting a career at my...

“The case for employing mature aged workers” – day 1, level 1 June 9 2020

16 Jun, 2020

As we work our way through these challenging times, one segment of New Zealanders that needs support now more than ever is our pool of mature aged job seekers. What we don’t want to forget is the fact that there are thousands of job seekers in their mid-50’s and over who are looking for work, including many who have or will lose their jobs. These are mainly good people who have made a great contribution to society,...

Older not Over

28 Jan, 2020

There’s a lot of talk about how to employ millennials and keep them engaged - give them wellness benefits, birthdays off, a chance to work according to their values etc. which is cool! But there’s a faster growing group in the workforce that we also need to focus on - older workers. Nearly 79% of New Zealanders aged 55 to 64 are employed and this number is on the up....

18 reasons why companies should hire mature workers

15 Jan, 2020

I woke up this morning with the same neck pain that’s been plaguing me for two weeks. I developed the pain when I was toweling off after a shower and WHAM, it felt like someone stuck a knife in my neck. Sometimes life sucks getting older. I may be getting older, but I’m not too humble to say I’m good at what I do. I get to work early and often leave late. If it weren’t for the fact that I’m driving my...

How elders can reinvigorate the workforce

18 Nov, 2019

The world is ageing. But our oldest workers could help keep the economy afloat. By Zaria Gorvett 15th November 2019 The world is experiencing a mammoth demographic shift, as the post-war baby-boomer generation enter their sixth and seventh decades. In 1960, those older than 65 made up just 4.9% of the global population , but by 2050, they’ll account...

Why Working Past Retirement Age May Make Sense

13 Jun, 2019

I know what you're thinking: Why work any more than you need to? Isn't it time to kick back and relax after a certain age? A few years ago, I would've agreed with that statement. I was ready for sun and fun. Now I'm not so sure. Working into your seventh decade is a bit counter-intuitive. Your body doesn't spring up the way it used to every morning and you have no patience for surly bosses and long hours. You want to do...

In the Hunt for Top Talent, Don’t Overlook Older Workers

26 May, 2019

With U.S. unemployment near its lowest rate in 50 years , companies are adopting creative strategies for pursuing talent, from hiring people with criminal records to recruiting high school students . Apple, Google, and IBM are among the companies that claim to have changed their hiring practices, stressing skills over credentials. But one segment of the population...

5 ways to maximize the contributions of older public sector workers

21 May, 2019

Learn how to build stronger, generationally diverse teams Bradley Schurman , May 20, 2019 For years, public-sector leaders around the world have grappled with a “workforce crisis.” In short, the workforce is aging at an unprecedented rate with fewer and fewer young people entering public service and more and more workers staying past traditional retirement age. For reference, the current...

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