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Older Workers Impact Hoosier Companies
By AG, LeMarchedesSeniors
January 25, 2005
Both sides can benefit if employers recognize the value of recruiting and retaining older workers, said Helen Dennis, a nationally known expert on aging, employment and retirement.
"This is a wake-up call to business, to acknowledge the aging workforce and what they need to do to remain competitive," said Dennis, a California-based corporate consultant and university lecturer. "The population is aging. We have fewer people coming through the pipeline. How do you get the best people?"
Dennis will make her case to central Indiana employers on Jan. 26, at an event sponsored by the University of Indianapolis' Center for Aging & Community.
The free luncheon talk is scheduled 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, in the Consulate Room of Embassy Suites, 110 W. Washington St. The event is free, but reservations are required. Contact Lisa Battiato at (317) 791-5936 or lbattiato@uindy.edu.
Promoting the importance of meaningful work for older adults is one of the core missions of the Center for Aging & Community, said Associate Director Ellen Miller. On April 15 in Indianapolis, the center will host a national conference for executives, "Managing the 21st Century Workplace," featuring talks by veteran broadcaster Hugh Downs and national experts in aging and work force issues.
"Aside from the emerging issues for employers, this change in the work force will likely create a serious economic issue for cities and states," said Miller, an associate professor at the university with a background in physical therapy and gerontology. "Clearly, those in the baby boom generation are living longer and healthier, and many will lack the means to leave the work force entirely. Mutual accommodations such as flex time and phased retirement can help employers, employees and communities."
Dennis, a CAC board member and editor of the books "Retirement Preparation" and "Fourteen Steps in Managing an Aging Work Force," said the widespread elimination of middle-management positions during the 1980s and '90s created a gap in the work force that will make the looming demographic changes even more challenging for employers.
"Now we have to say, 'Where have all the workers gone?'" she said. "There are not enough younger workers to take those places at the same level of competency."
About the Center for Aging & Community
Established by the University of Indianapolis in 2001, the Center for Aging & Community takes an interdisciplinary approach to developing partnerships between higher education and the broader community of business, government, service agencies and families. Its key focus areas are Aging in Place and Meaningful Work for Older Adults. The center also offers two graduate degree programs in gerontology. Find more information at http://cac.uindy.edu.
Source: Center for Aging & Community, University of Indianapolis
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