Attracting older workers is one of the smartest moves a business can make in today’s job market. With many industries facing serious skills shortages, employers can’t afford to overlook this talented and experienced group. If you want knowledge, reliability, and perspective that can transform your workforce, hiring older workers is one of the best steps you can take.
Yet, many employers still miss out on this opportunity. Stereotypes about age, technology, or “slowing down” often get in the way of hiring decisions. ONS statistics show that workers over 50 are one of the few growing groups in the labour market, with many seeking either a new career challenge or the chance to extend their working lives.
Today’s post explores why hiring older workers makes sense, how to attract them to your business, and the steps you can take to create a more age-inclusive workplace.
Why Employing Older Workers Benefits Your Business
Much like ex-military staff or career changers, older workers bring transferable skills that are invaluable across industries. Let’s look at some of the benefits.
1. Experience & knowledge
Decades of hands-on experience mean older workers can hit the ground running. They’ve likely faced a range of challenges and can bring practical solutions to the table.
2. Reliability & work ethic
Older employees are often recognised for their loyalty and commitment. They’re less likely to “job hop,” reducing recruitment and training costs for your organisation.
3. Mentorship & leadership
With years of industry knowledge, older workers can mentor younger staff and strengthen team cohesion. A multigenerational workforce is a great way to boost collaboration and create a culture of shared learning.
4. Adaptability
Despite the stereotype, many older workers embrace new skills and technologies. In fact, a large proportion actively retrain to stay competitive, making them an excellent fit for evolving industries.
5. Diversity of perspective
Age-diverse teams tend to be more innovative and better at problem-solving. With customers spanning all age groups, employing older workers ensures your workforce better reflects your market.
By focusing on these strengths, employers can overcome the misconceptions that often prevent them from tapping into this rich talent pool.
How to Attract Older Workers
Attracting older workers may require a slightly different approach to your typical job advertising strategy. Here are some practical steps.
1. Use inclusive job adverts
Language matters. Avoid phrases like “young and dynamic” that can unintentionally deter older applicants. Instead, focus on skills, values, and adaptability. Even a simple line such as ‘We welcome applications from all ages’ can make a real difference.
2. Highlight flexible working options
Many older workers value flexibility, whether it’s part-time hours, job sharing, or remote roles. By offering these options, you’ll not only appeal to older candidates but also create a more inclusive environment for all employees.
3. Provide upskilling & retraining opportunities
Older candidates may be considering a career change. Offering training shows that your business invests in employees at all stages of life. Government-supported initiatives and midlife apprenticeship schemes can be a great starting point.
4. Value experience over linear career paths
Gaps in CVs are common among older workers, often due to caring responsibilities or redundancy. Focus on transferable skills instead of penalising career breaks.
5. Promote an age-inclusive culture
Share success stories of older employees thriving in your business. A culture that values age diversity makes your company stand out as a great place to work.
➡️ Bonus read: Our Guide on Fostering an Age-Inclusive Workforce includes more practical ideas on improving inclusivity.
Tackling Myths About Older Workers
Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions.
- Myth 1: Older workers struggle with technology.
In reality, many actively upskill and adapt quickly to new systems. CIPD has even called for a ‘reskilling era’ to boost lifelong learning and encourage older-worker employment.
- Myth 2: They’re only interested in short-term work.
With the state pension age steadily increasing, many plan to work into their 60s and 70s, offering years of valuable service.
- Myth 3: Hiring them is costly.
Their loyalty and reduced turnover often save employers money long-term.
Breaking these myths is essential if employers want to unlock the benefits of age diversity.
➡️ Bonus read: For more information, check out our dedicated post on Debunking The Stereotypes Surrounding Mature Workers.
Practical Steps for Attracting Older Workers
Here are some additional ways to make your business more appealing to older candidates:
- Advertise on specialist job boards: Platforms like Refreshing a Career connect employers with career changers and older jobseekers.
- Showcase inclusivity: Add statements to your careers page or adverts that highlight your commitment to diversity, including age. Find out more about Inclusive Hiring for Employers.
- Support onboarding: Consider mentoring programmes or buddy systems to help new older hires settle in. Read our blog on Best Practices for Onboarding Career Changers for more details.
- Create development pathways: Show that progression and training are available at any age.
How Refreshing a Career Can Help Employers
At Refreshing a Career, we specialise in helping employers attract diverse talent, including older workers and career changers.
Advertise your vacancies to thousands of motivated jobseekers, including those over 50 looking for a fresh start. We’ll even screen your job adverts to remove potentially age-biased language.
If you’d like to learn more about how to get started, browse our resources or get in touch with the Refreshing a Career team today.
Call us on 0345 872 4501 or email info@refreshingacareer.com.
Conclusion
Attracting older workers is a way to strengthen your workforce with loyalty, experience, and perspective. By adapting recruitment practices and building an inclusive culture, employers can access an often-overlooked talent pool that adds enormous value.
Ready to take the next step? Advertise your vacancies on the Refreshing a Career jobs board today and start connecting with experienced older workers eager for their next opportunity.
