Hire a Senior-Build Your Business

I your company built on the strength of a diverse workforce? Because of persistent myths, employers are hesitant to hire older workers and quick to jettison their most experienced people in favor of younger people. According to Age Discrimination Employment Act of 1967 it is against the law to discriminate against older workers, but the practice persists anyway.


The first myth is that older people are set their ways, unproductive, and useless. The truth is that with experience comes wisdom and they are able to do a great job that incorporates old solutions to new problems.

The second myth is that it’s too expensive to train older people; they are not going to stay with the company long enough to recoup your investment. In fact, many people have completed and retired from one career and are ready to start another. They have no intention of going home and sitting in a rocker. They can bring wisdom and insight to your teams that is not otherwise available. Because of their extensive work backgrounds they generally need less training than a younger person with no experience; most have better problem solving skills and more patience.

Myth number three: It can be more expensive to keep older workers on staff. Older employees cost too much and reduce profits. Actually, it can cost less. Anyone over the age of 65 can collect Medicare so that even if you offer a supplemental plan it will be less expensive than full coverage. Older workers take less time off because they have a stronger work ethic; they value their jobs, and understand the importance of their position to the whole. Younger workers are more likely to participate in activities and sports that are somewhat dangerous and thus need time off to recover.

The fourth myth centers on dependability and commitment. You can usually depend on seniors to be where they are supposed to be, and to be diligent in completing their assignments. Younger workers are more likely to be distracted by life; and take more time off the enjoy it. They also do not have the experience to appreciate that they are an important part of the whole and people are depending on them. Seniors understand that customers are not a bother and every aspect of a project is important; if they drop the ball the entire company is affected. The idea of not hiring older workers because of their capability is stupid. Older workers can be a valuable asset to the growth of your business.

Another reason to hire senior workers is that they can attract senior customers away from the competition. With the Baby Boomers becoming seniors, the make-up of your customers will be changing. Seniors may only make up 25% of the population, but they control three quarters of the wealth. Many seniors don’t like to work with younger people; they don’t feel understood. Your older workers can relate better to your changing clientele and bring you more business from unexpected places.

Happy Campers

A surprise to many business owners or leaders is the fact that their customers are not their most important asset. The most valuable asset you have in your company is your well-trained staff.

Happy and committed employees will build and maintain a strong customer base; disgruntled team members will do just the opposite.

Some of the most successful companies today have created employee models that seem frivolous and expensive, but the return in incalculable. Creation of a workplace Corporate Culture that is respectful of your employees while maintaining the bottom line is large part of your success. It guides how employees think, act, and feel.

Companies like Apple Computer, Ing, and Zappos have gone to extremes for their employees; you can even bring your dog to work. The fall-out from this is the line of talented people waiting to work for them. You can get the same results, on a smaller scale, with creative benefits that they'll value more than money. Studies have shown that money is rarely the prime motivator. Comp days, flexible schedules, production bonuses, wellness programs, unique, customized incentives, or at least a R&R area all lead to happy productive employees. In absence of these things, words of praise, respect, and compassion will work well. Empowerment is the key.

In turn, your employees will go out of their support to you. They will want to be knowledgeable, helpful, empowered, and courteous, This translates to an atmosphere where shopping, or whatever, is a pleasant experience. These customers and clients will tell their friends and that the word will spread.
These concepts should not be reserved for your management or sales staff. They should be applied to everyone from the janitor to the boss. Your goal is success and this is a very important component.

Should Your Business Use a Staffing Agency?

YES, YES, YES! – You should consider using a staffing agency because we save you money. We eliminate the direct burden of workers’ compensation costs and potential legal exposure, which can be significant expenses. Using a staffing agency also gives you the flexibility to release the worker without any cost to you and you won’t be responsible for unemployment costs either. The average cost of a new hire is $7,000.00 and we are able to substantially reduce that cost for you by taking on these extra burdens.

Staffing agencies offer customized recruiting, screening and training to identify the true talent. We aggressively recruit candidates and keep a large database of highly skilled talent to fit your every need. We guarantee to match you with the right talent – the first time. We also offer heavy screening to ensure that you are receiving an A+ employee. We do comprehensive drug screening, background checks, credit checks, motor vehicle reports and more.

If you are having trouble finding the right employee from your job posting, have no fear. We will post your open positions on various websites for free! We run “blind ads” so job seekers are not pounding down your door. They come to us; our pre-screening efforts are number one so we are able to weed out the bad candidates and only provide you with the best matches.

Work doesn’t stop when someone has to leave on an emergency in the middle of the busiest season or when your employees take vacation; someone needs to always be available. Staffing agencies can fill these temporary assignments. We can also fill temporary to permanent and direct placement needs; offering you a range from seasonal/short-term work all the way to long-term full-time careers.

Your staffing agency is an important partner of your management team, one that helps lead your company to success.

Contributed by Krysta Grizzard, Staffing Manager, Employment Trends, krysta.grizzard@employmenttrends.com