National Employ Older Workers Week: Recognizing the Value of Older Workers in the Workforce

As the U.S. workforce undergoes a demographic shift, older workers are becoming a growing and vital segment of the labor force. National Employ Older Workers Week, held annually during the last full week of September, highlights the contributions of workers aged 55 and older. This week-long event aims to raise awareness about the unique challenges and opportunities facing older job seekers, while also promoting innovative strategies to tap into their potential.

According to a survey by CWI Labs, 59% of older job seekers in the U.S. believe that their age has become an obstacle in their search for employment, with only 21% optimistic about finding a job within six months. Ageism, microaggressions, and misconceptions about older workers' capabilities remain significant barriers, even though this demographic brings extensive experience and wisdom to the workforce.

Overcoming Ageism and Promoting Inclusion

The survey highlighted that 81% of older workers feel employers favor younger applicants. Furthermore, 46% of older job seekers have been searching for employment for more than a year, and many have encountered age-related microaggressions, particularly from younger colleagues. Yet, despite these challenges, older workers continue to demonstrate resilience and adaptability. For instance, 92% of workers over the age of 50 expressed a willingness to learn new professional skills, including digital literacy, showcasing their commitment to personal growth.

Moreover, 74% of older workers are comfortable being managed by someone younger, and 78% work on intergenerational teams, emphasizing the value of collaboration across age groups.

FTHRA’s Commitment through the SCSEP Program

Here at First Tennessee Human Resource Agency (FTHRA), we are proud to support older workers through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). SCSEP provides low-income, unemployed seniors aged 55 and above with work-based training opportunities. This program allows participants to gain valuable skills while serving their communities in roles at non-profits, schools, hospitals, and senior centers. With over 40 million hours of community service contributed by SCSEP participants nationwide, this initiative plays a crucial role in fostering intergenerational workforce inclusion.

SCSEP offers a pathway for seniors to gain skills, increase employability, and eventually transition into unsubsidized employment. Participants receive assistance with job placements, helping them build the confidence they need to pursue long-term employment. Since its inception, SCSEP nationally has helped over one million older Americans secure meaningful jobs.

Why Hiring Older Workers Benefits Everyone

Older workers bring numerous strengths to the workforce, including strong judgment, commitment to quality, and reliability. As the workforce continues to age, with workers 55 and older projected to make up 25% of the U.S. labor force by 2020, it’s more important than ever to challenge age-related biases and develop inclusive hiring practices.

Employers who embrace age diversity stand to gain from the wealth of experience, mentorship, and stability that older workers provide. An age-inclusive workforce isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s an economic one, contributing to long-term success for businesses and the overall economy.

As we celebrate National Employ Older Workers Week, FTHRA remains dedicated to supporting older workers through programs like SCSEP, ensuring they continue to thrive and contribute to our community. By advocating for training, mentorship, and inclusive hiring practices, we can empower older workers to take their rightful place in the evolving world of work.

 

For more information on SCSEP and how it supports older workers, visit FTHRA’s SCSEP Program page.

 

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) at FTHRA

 

First TN Human Resource Agency