Is Your Company Tapping Talent of Older Workers?

For each generation of workers, there are stereotypes about their particular attributes. While there might be some truth in those generalizations, often they are incorrect.

Human resources organization, SHRM, released new research, Age of Opportunity: Redefining Talent with the 65+ Workforce, on October 28, that challenges widespread misconceptions about older workers.

One of the findings is that this group is an untapped pool of talent, and 93% of HR professionals said that their organizations have no formal or informal recruitment programs targeting older workers. 

“Our latest research makes it clear: older workers are driving results,"  said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.,  CEO of SHRM, in a statement. "Their experience, adaptability, and eagerness to learn, especially with new technologies such as AI, are exactly what today’s organizations need. If we ignore this talent pool, we’re leaving critical skills and institutional knowledge on the table at a time when these very skills are in such high demand. It’s time to rethink how we recruit and support the 65+ workforce – because when we do, everyone wins.” 

Key findings include: 

Older workers are enjoying their current roles.        

• 91% of older workers report job satisfaction, while 87% feel engaged at work. 
• Among HR professionals who work with older employees, 74% report positive experiences, with 88% saying older workers perform better than or much better than other employees. 

These workers defy common stereotypes. 

•  81% of older workers demonstrate a strong willingness to learn. 
•  79% showing positive approaches to challenges. 
•  60% displayed enthusiasm for growth – including embracing new technologies like artificial intelligence. 

There's a disconnect between what young workers believe older workers need. 

• Over 55% of workers aged 18 to 54 believe flexible working hours are essential to better support older workers, yet only 32% of HR professionals implement this strategy. 
• While 44% of younger workers want to see wellness programs addressing age-related health needs, only 16% of organizations offer such benefits. 

The research exposes critical knowledge retention risks organizations currently face. While 83% of HR professionals document company policies, only around one-third document cultural norms (32%) and client relations (43%) – areas they say would be extremely difficult to rebuild if experienced workers suddenly retire. 

These insights are particularly important given the fact that the population aged 65 and older represents the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. workforce, with over 11.8 million individuals in this age group currently employed – more than double the number from 30 years ago.