TALENT SHORTAGE
An Obvious Solution To Your Talent Shortage Problem
BY : VINCE MIYOI ATLAS INSURANCE
If you are experiencing a talent shortage , you are not alone . Every industry is dealing with talent shortages . But the good news is that the solution to your staffing needs may already be working for you .
Americans are living longer than ever . Men and women who reach age 65 are expected to live into their mid-eighties . The US Census Bureau projects a 67 percent increase in the age 65 and older population between 2015 and 2040 , when one in five Americans will be aged 65 or older . As Americans retire , they will likely need more money to sustain themselves as they live longer , whether they need the money for luxuries like travel or for necessities like food and medicine . And when they retire , they will be taking a wealth of knowledge about the companies they work for with them . That ’ s why employers should look no further than their older workers when trying to fill positions in today ’ s economy .
The more thought that goes into retaining older workers that you know and trust , the more likely your company is to surpass its competitors who are spending time and money recruiting unknown quantities . And the benefits of retaining these experienced workers can pay dividends in surprising ways .
Here is a list of issues that you should consider before implementing a program to retain older workers :
EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE Use your older workers ’ knowledge and experience by installing a formal
mentorship program that would provide value for both young and older workers . Older workers are excellent mentors who can help develop new employees . It ’ s a win-win situation !
CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING Continue to provide career development and training for older workers who are looking to learn new skills and maintain their job knowledge . Having formal career development plans will assist in tracking progress and career goals . You want to ensure both the worker and employer ’ s expectations are met . A formal process will help you be more proactive .
COMFORT WITH TECHNOLOGY Always make sure your older workers are comfortable with new technology . We all get into our comfort zone when it comes to work , but technology is changing rapidly and continuously . Monitor your methods of training and make improvements when needed to adapt to your older workers ’ learning styles .
ERGONOMICS Always attempt to adapt the workplace to the worker . By evaluating employee workstations , job processes , equipment , and the like , you can make essential changes that will create a safer work environment for your older workers . Perform a Job Hazard Analysis to formalize this process and assist with developing safer job procedures .
CREATE NEW JOBS OR ADAPT Companies are now looking at retraining
workers for jobs that better suit their aging skill sets . Employees can be taught new skills to transition effectively into other job functions . Another option is re-evaluating your job descriptions to accommodate or adapt to older workers .
FLEXIBILITY Be flexible with workers who want to transition into retirement . It is better to have an employee who still has a lot to offer work part-time rather than retire full-time . Creating part-time positions can benefit both the worker and employer .
CARE Finally , retaining older workers demonstrates you care about your employees . This boosts employee morale for all of your employees . And by implementing many of these suggestions to your workplace , it will demonstrate your commitment to caring . This will make it easier to retain your older workers ! +
Vince Miyoi is Senior Vice President of Organizational Management . Prior to leading the current development and execution of Atlas ’ comprehensive strategic organizational development program , Vince gained more than 25 years of experience in Risk Management and Claims Consulting Services . In that time Vince developed , implemented and managed Atlas ’ value added services ( Risk & Claims Consulting ) which has gained respect in the insurance industry for being the best at client services with a 96 % client retention rate .
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