Older Workers

1. Older Workers • Sample comprised of 308 randomly selected HR professionals. • Analyzing 308 responses of 2865 emails sent, 2640 emails were received (response rate = 12%). • Survey fielded August 29 – September 4, 2006; presentation generated on September 12, 2006. • Margin of error is +/- 6%.

2. In your opinion, what do you, as an HR professional, view as the advantages of hiring older workers compared to other workers? Percentages does not total 100% as multiple responses were allowed.

3. In your opinion, what do you, as an HR professional, view as the advantages of hiring older workers compared to other workers?

4. Other advantages of hiring older workers compared to other workers? • Wisdom, Emotional Intelligence, Team Players • Sometimes they also provide patience as they have seen things come and go and understand the big picture cycle of things. • Older workers are more apt to work for not for profits -- like us • Older workers are as productive. • Many of your options need to be asked with the context of continuing to employ; not just hiring. Also if you are just isolating older workers, it should be clear to the responder - do not blend older with long-term employees. Answers will change. • Many of these may or may not apply but it is dependent on the individual not age • I was tempted to check all of these, but of course it is wrong to stereotype older workers just as it is younger. All could be true. All are often true. • I do not believe that you should categorize a worker based on their age. There are examples of these advantages in all age groups. • Generally have more drive because they have living expenses and we pay on commission so need folks who are "hungry" and produce results • Extend the available workforce • Dependability • Attendance Performance

5. In your opinion, what do you, as an HR professional, view as the disadvantages of hiring older workers compared to other workers? Percentages does not total 100% as multiple responses were allowed.

6. In your opinion, what do you, as an HR professional, view as the disadvantages of hiring older workers compared to other workers?

7. Other disadvantages of hiring older workers compared to other workers? • The value of relationships are more important to older workers - this can create productivity issues and conflict with those on a career track. • Some older workers have issues with manual labor positions, standing for long periods of time, heavy or repetitive lifting, etc. • Some limited physical abilities/arthritis problems • Short term employee • Productivity and safety issues more challenging with older workers • Older workers have more trouble with the physical demands of the job. • Older worker's have less opportunity for longevity; closer to retirement • Not likely to remain with the organization for long • May not be able to do physical labor • Less productive • I do not believe that you should categorize a worker based on their age. • Conflicts with Medicare earning limitations • At times older workers may not be as productive as some younger workers based on the job.