Why Mature Workers Are Key to Your Company’s Future Growth

At a glance

• The main takeaway: Workers aged 50 and older will be a vital component of the labor market over the next decade, as they are projected to represent nearly 10% of all workers by 2030.
• Impact on your business: Mature workers can provide the perspective, wisdom, gravitas and strategic thinking companies need to achieve the next level of growth.
• Next steps: Aprio Talent Solutions can help your business source the right 50+ talent, drawing from a vast network of industry professionals and decades of expertise.

Contact Aprio Talent Solutions today

The full story:

Over the past five years, many labor experts have written about the rise of millennials and Generation Z in the modern workforce. But recruiters have their eyes on candidates representing another age cohort, particularly for key strategic and growth-oriented positions.

Workers aged 50 and older are poised to make a sizeable impact on the workforce heading into 2024 and beyond. This trend is reflective of population demographics, as a whole. According to an economics report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2030 all baby boomers will be at least 65 years old, and 9.5% of the civilian labor force is projected to be older than 65.

In the same report, the Bureau says that “not only is the share of older people in the labor force growing, but their labor force participation rates are rising,” indicating that mature workers will be an essential part of the workforce for many years to come  — especially as companies are confronted with game-changing innovation and technology advances.

Here are the top ways a mature worker can add more value to your team.

1. Experience in calm and chaotic markets

More seasoned professionals have worked through many different types of economic cycles, including recessions and market crashes. Tumultuous economies can bring significant stress to businesses — but workers who have seen (and thrived through) similar struggles can offer strength, perspective, wisdom and strategies for navigating rough waters. When the going gets tough, there is no better replacement for experience and guidance from someone who has been there before.

2. Major milestones in the rear view

While building their careers, young professionals are simultaneously navigating major life changes, such as purchasing a home, paying off student debt, starting a family and even caring for family members in need. These milestones can often be difficult to balance with the demands of senior leadership roles, which require a large investment of time and professional and emotional weight.

On the other hand, seasoned professionals over 50 have already surpassed foundational life milestones. Whether they have settled into their “forever home” or sent their kids off to college, mature workers are often ready to kick their careers into high gear and take risks, which companies in growth mode desperately need.

3. Mastery of soft skills

According to a piece on mature workers by the AARP Foundation, one of the biggest barriers that recruiters face in sourcing capable candidates is their lack of “soft skills,” such as conflict de-escalation, analytical thinking, relationship-building and written communication skills, among others. In most cases, these skills cannot be taught in the classroom; the ability to navigate the nuanced dynamics of the workplace is honed through several years, even decades, of experience.

Mature workers have mastered these critical skills, which means managers can spend less time on training and more time providing workers with the resources they need to hit the ground running.

 4. Ready (and willing) to provide mentorship

As millennial and Gen Z candidates make up a larger share of the workforce, companies’ ability to foster successful cross-generational teams is more important than ever. Young professionals entering the labor market are excited to gain experience and eager to learn from their more seasoned peers in the field.

Not only are mature workers positioned to mentor the next generation with their knowledge and experience, but they are also an invaluable resource to help incoming professionals build the soft skills mentioned above. From the rise of artificial intelligence to globalization, we need critical thinkers and strategic minds to leverage the opportunities and solve the challenges facing the world of tomorrow. Mature workers are the guideposts companies need to reach the next level of growth.

Are you searching for new team members from the 50+ talent pool? Aprio Talent Solutions can provide the network and resources you need to find the right fit. Contact us today to start the conversation.

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