5 reasons to consider hiring mature age workers

There are several negative connotations surrounding hiring mature age workers, and these stereotypes are ones that are not completely dismissed by organisations. But fear not, below are five key reasons that mature age workers are neither down nor out in the hiring game.

1. They save organisations money

Mature age workers are 2.4 times more likely to stay with an organisation than younger workers, thus saving their potential employer a lot of time, effort and money so they don’t have to go through the hiring process again.

They are also more likely to save their employer money through decreased rates of absenteeism and greater investment returns on training.

2. Getting older doesn’t mean getting less intelligent

A study of the Organisation of Economic and Corporate Development nations concluded that verbal skills, intelligence and communication remain unchanged as a person ages.

3. Mature age workers are ready to learn

The saying that "an old dog can't learn new tricks" is just that, a saying. ABS data reveals that Australians aged 55 – 64 are the fastest growing users of information technology. Hence, there’s no reason why they won’t be at the forefront of current technologies, ready to take on new learning challenges as they arise.

4. Mature age workers come with a wealth of knowledge behind them

Throughout their tenure in the workforce, there is no doubt that they have contacts, experience and interests; all of which are invaluable assets to bring to any organisation. The ability to lead and motivate others is another skill set that can be acquired more with age.

5. Mature age workers reflect our community

Organisations always need to be conscious of responding to the needs of the community they are in; in Australia, there is a changing age profile and thus, it would best benefit organisations if they responded to this change by being seen as a part of the community. This involves mirroring this change with who it employs.

Mature age workers have a lot to offer the next organisation they work for, which should be kept in mind for your next recruitment campaign!

Are you thinking about how you can measure the relevant skills in your next hiring campaign? Our recruitment partners at Capable People can help you find the right person for the role by utilising non-discriminant assessments that find a person-job fit that matches your performance needs.

Sources:
OECD study
ABS data