Hire a Baby Boomer – 5 Excuses Busted

The Baby Boomer generation (or “Boomers”) accounts for about 29% of the population today or about 76 million people.  For those who do not know, Boomers are those people born on or between the years 1946 and 1964.  This would make the Boomers between 48 and 66 years of age (if I did my math correctly).

The Boomers have been and still are the most affluent generation in America’s history, yet the job market (and dare I say society) wants to dismiss the more experienced segment of the population.  This generation has a wealth of information to share, is very active, is a proponent of change, and wants to continue contributing to the nation’s job market.  There is major value to companies by hiring the more experienced worker over someone who is fresh out of college or with very little experience.

Below is what I call the top 5 excuse list for dismissing the Boomer generation by employers:

Excuse #1:  Cannot “afford” to hire very experienced workers. 

Employers hire less experienced workers at a lower salary.  This lower salaried person has to be trained, mentored, and requires much oversight (at least in the beginning).  In the long run, this person has cost you more due to their lack of contribution because of all the training, mentoring, and oversight.  It costs 30% or more of the annual salary to train and mentor new, less experienced employees (which excludes the cost of lost productivity).  Hire a Boomer and minimize the cost.

Excuse #2:  “Overqualified” for the position and will only stay long enough to find another job. 

Many Boomers want to share their experiences and would love the opportunity to help others expand their careers.  They are also life long learners and feel that they can always learn more from others.  In addition, Boomers are very loyal to companies in which they work.  The average tenure of workers aged 25 – 34 is only 3.2 years and most workers 55+ stay with companies over 10 years. 

Excuse #3:  Technically ignorant. 

In fact, the Boomers are actually the generation that was part of the workforce during the dawn of the computer and Internet age.  The Boomers were the first to understand the advantages of technology and 75% of all Boomers today use the Internet for downloading movies, downloading music, financial activities, wellness research, etc.  Also, two of the biggest names associated with technology, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, are (and was) part of the Boomer generation.

Excuse #4:  Less energy and unable to handle the work.  

Most Boomers are very active, alert, and energetic.  The experience and time management skills allow for more work in less time.  Overall, Boomers are in good health and nearly 20% of all marathon runners are 50 and over. 

Excuse #5:  Unadaptable and resist change.

This is the generation that has had to adapt to many changes over the years.  Think about all the changes this country (and the world) has been thru over the past 40 years.  Boomers are more likely to ask “why” rather than their younger team members.  The good news is that they will be a catalyst for change once it is understood.  Wouldn’t you rather have someone ask to understand rather than someone that just goes with the flow, complains, and leaves because they don’t like it?  Most people will be resistant to change if they don’t understand.