TORONTO-February 10 2006. (Drake) Canada is facing an imminent skills shortage as the Baby Boom generation prepares to exit the workforce. There have been reports, research studies and statistics that indicate a huge demographic shift is taking place in the workforce. Since 1964 there has been a decline in the birthrate that will create a shortage of younger candidates entering the labour market. People are living longer, they are healthier, and they want to continue working and being productive. The Mature Workforce is ready and willing to fill the looming skills shortage, but when was the last time someone in the 50+ age group was considered for a position in your company?
Statistics Canada reports that workers over age 55 have contributed to one third of all labour force growth within the past seven years. They are on the front edge of the largest, healthiest and best educated population to ever move through and beyond their fifties. There is no end in sight to this trend that reverses several decades of declining participation by this demographic.
Research has shown that at least one third of Canadians want to continue working past the traditional retirement age. In order to stay competitive, and prevent the loss of the extensive experience of older workers, employers must consider ways to appeal to their unique needs. In its 2002 General Social Survey, Statistics Canada cited a number of factors that could encourage retirees to remain on the job. One of these was flexible work schedules. In fact, 28 percent of recent retirees said they would have continued to work if they had been able to work part-time, making them ideal candidates for contract positions that are not traditionally nine to five roles.
Drake´s newly acquired solution for the Mature Workforce, Prime50, has developed a new whitepaper (at www.drakewebinars.com) that discusses the importance of the Mature Workforce. The whitepaper goes into detail to dispel the misconceptions that surround this age group and describes the benefits to employers that the 50+ worker can offer from a foundation of experience, productivity and loyalty.
To find out more on how Prime50 can put experience to work for your organization, please contact Barry Witkin at +1 416 216-1078. To register for a complimentary webinar on this topic presented on February 22, from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. EST. visit: www.drakewebinars.com.
Contact: Barry Witkin
Phone: +1 416 216-1078
Fax: +1 416 216 1109
Drake International,79 Wellington Street West, Suite 2400
Toronto M5K 1H6, Ontario
Canada