The benefits of hiring a mature aged job seeker

Mature age job seekers can often be overlooked by employers when they shouldn't be. A mature age job seeker can be considered someone over the age of 50, although there are different definitions. It is important to recognise there is an enormous pool of talent from which you as an employer can draw on from people who are over 50.

Here are 10 benefits of hiring a mature age job seeker:

Benefit 1: Considerable experience

You may not need to invest as much time training and getting your employee up to speed when you initially hire them as they may already have the technical skills you need. But even if they have outdated technical skills, they often have great transferable skills such as teamwork, organisational, problem-solving, time management, and leadership skills.

They may also have significant networks and knowledge of industry trends and practices which can be an advantage to you and your business.

Benefit 2: Exceptionally reliable

A Human Rights Commission report found mature age workers take fewer sick days and have fewer work-related injuries. This may save you money.

Benefit 3: Loyal employees

A mature age worker is more likely to stay with an employer. This may save you money by not having to find and train a new employee and helps your organisation to retain business knowledge.

Benefit 4: Helps you build diversity

Employing a diverse range of employees creates a workforce that represents the diversity of your organisation’s clients. This may help you create a positive experience for your clients and customers.

Having a diverse workforce also means that you will have employees with a wide range of skills, knowledge, experience, and perspectives. They may help you improve your business processes and enhance your overall business performance.

Benefit 5: Many can use technology

It is a myth that mature age workers can’t learn new technology. Older Australians (aged 55 to 64) are developing their tech skills at a faster rate than any other age group.

Benefit 6: Adaptable and eager to learn new skills

Many mature age job seekers have often had several different roles and responsibilities throughout their career. In these roles they have often done different tasks, needed to adapt to changes in the workplace, and developed various skills. Many have also developed new skills as part of their job search strategy.

Benefit 7: Benefits the economy

Hiring mature age job seekers can be beneficial for the job seeker, the employer, and the broader economy too. During a period of skills shortage in an industry, mature age workers can often provide much-needed opportunities to fill gaps in your workplace.

Benefit 8: Can mentor and coach others

Mature age employees can provide mentoring to less experienced employees and help them progress their careers. They could also help you by coaching others in the workplace to help upskill your other employees in specific tasks.

Benefit 9: Wage subsides

There also can be generous wage subsidies for hiring a mature-age job seeker. Under the Australian Government's Restart Program, employers who hire and retain an eligible job seeker who is aged 50 or older can receive up to $10,000 in wage subsidies.

Benefit 10: It makes you more attractive as an organisation

The Australian population is ageing, with an increasing number of older Australians that want to stay in the workforce longer. Therefore, organisations who welcome mature age workers may been seen as more attractive to a growing population of the workforce.