Staffing and Recruiting > Recruiting Staff > Recruiting Mature Workers

Recruiting Mature Workers

As Canada's population ages and employers face a growing labour shortage, hospitality businesses that retain mature workers and hire retirees will gain a competitive edge: qualified employees with a wealth of knowledge and skills.

Today’s population lives longer, healthier lives, and mature workers are looking for ways to continue using their experience and energy. Some may be looking to top up their retirement income, others may want new challenges, while still more may wish to connect with new people.

Increasingly referred to as Zoomers, they bring a strong work ethic, loyalty, teamwork, and excellent customer service skills. Forward-thinking tourism employers will tap into the vast experience of this cohort and be smart about how they use it. Consider asking mature workers to become mentors for younger staff or to provide input on how to market to older customers.

Reaching mature workers

Connect with mature workers through communication channels tailored to their interests and needs. Be sure to use a mix of traditional and online media; Internet usage among adults over the age of 45 has increased dramatically in recent years. Some vehicles to consider include:

• Publications aimed at Zoomers, such as 50PLUS.com and Zoomer Magazine
• Regional and local newspapers
• Websites dedicated to mature workers, including www.retiredworker.ca, www.seniorsforjobs.com, and www.seniorsforhire.ca (see Resources section below for details)
• Libraries, community/seniors centres, and places of worship

Employer Resources

Benefits of Hiring Older Workers from Canada Business offers a comprehensive look at hiring mature workers.

Canadian Association for the Fifty-Plus (CARP) is a leader in bringing people 50+ innovative solutions that will enhance their ability to work and to be competitive in the job market.

Retired Worker connects older workers who want to work on a part-time, temporary, or project basis with employers who are looking for the experience, broad skill base, and value they deliver.

Seniors for Jobs offers a database dedicated to workers over 55 who wish to remain in the workforce and to the employers who are looking for experienced, reliable, and dedicated employees.

Seniors for Hire allows progressive employers to post jobs and browse the resumes of mature workers looking to share their skills and talents.