Recruiting Retired Workers and New Americans

Posted on March 26, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

Resolving workforce challenges in our field is a multi-tiered strategy. One area to consider is recruiting retired workers and new Americans. Two LeadingAge Minnesota members piloted programs to work with tribal partners and the Somali community to improve their recruitment efforts. Read more for their stories, as well as thoughts on giving the growing number of Baby Boomers a chance to use their skills and make a difference in their community. 

Consider recruiting retired workers
Generational research shows that Baby Boomers care about having a chance to use their skills. Meanwhile, the Theory of Generativity suggests that as people reach middle age and beyond, they have a desire to give back and to guide younger generations. What a great combination! As our workforce experiences a significant number of retirements, it will be important to guide the next generation as they take on higher level positions. Consider how you might be able to utilize retired workers – or “alumni” – to ease this transition, or even to offer flexible job opportunities for those retired people who would like to remain in the workforce. Consider how you might design job descriptions appealing to retirees. Shorter shifts, casual or part time work, less physical labor, and teaching, coaching, or mentoring roles may be perfect to engage this generation.

Reach out to new Americans

Do you have a strong cultural community in your area or see a burgeoning new American population in your community? What a great recruitment opportunity! Take the initiative to meet with leaders from these communities to ensure a strong and respectful partnership as a leading employer in your community, and to help ensure your organization is best prepared to support the unique needs of those staff. See these examples from LeadingAge Minnesota members:

• Browns Valley Health Center: Working with Tribal Partners to Improve Recruitment and Retention
• Rice Care Center: Expanding Diversity in Recruiting with Focus on Somali Immigrants

Get more recruitment ideas in the Workforce Center.

Questions? Contact Jenna Kellerman at jkellerman@leadingagemn.org.