Older Workers Remain Unemployed Longer

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I think employers are missing the boat to success by dismissing the over 55 group. In my opinion, older workers are dedicated to their employers, they are dependable, and they have respect for others, in the work place. Older workers do not use company resources for personal gain; company resources, such as, telephones and faxes.
Older workers care about their colleagues and what is best for the future of the company because they want the company to succeed. If the company thrives, so does the economy and future jobs for the younger generation. Older workers get the big picture. They understand cost and benefits. They know what waste and throw-away does to companies.
It's ironic that companies throw away over 55 year old and older workers because they consider them a waste of time and energy and invaluable to their business. Companies think over 55 workers slow down progress.
In my opinion, they do not slow down progress. They work methodically and consider the outcome of their business decisions and their opinions offered in business. They do this because they have been out there working for many years and they have learned from past business mistakes. Older workers have this advantage and can cut to the meat of business issues with solutions that work the first time. Therefore, they do not waste company resources and time by doing something wrong and spending hours figuring out the correct solution. So, do they really slow down progress? I think not.
So, companies. Think about the seasoned worker who shows respect for others and are dedicated to your cause the next time you interview.

Writeme ASmile of OK 8:00AM August 10, 2010

Along the same line but related to a recent Supreme Court Ruling:
"June 18 (Bloomberg) -- A divided U.S. Supreme Court made it harder for workers to win age-discrimination suits, overturning a $47,000 award to a demoted FBL Financial Group Inc. employee. "
What a step back this recent ruling is - it is harder for folks over 50 to find good jobs. It's a hard discrimination to prove, but one only has to consider that some employers look at "team fit" factors, and if the candidate is older, that person may be seen as not a "fit" for the group. Another factor almost never mentioned is the health insurance factor. An older candidate is in more of a potential health risk category, along with disabled folks.
It took me nearly a year to find my current position. I'm current in computer system, have current job skills, but still am often, I am sure, dismissed by HR due to age factors. So, having secured my job, I'm holding on to it like a barnacle.
Job discrimination, overt or de-facto,must be opposed.

kate Flynn of WV 11:51AM June 26, 2009

With the current economic conditions large numbers of retirees are now seeking employment.Their numbers are not reflected in the DOL data. Adding their numbers to the over 55 unemployed could add one to two points in the 55 plus unemployed percentage.
Message to employers and recruiters - consider this age demographic equally in your recruiting programs. I know you will find good value from this most underutilized workforce.

Gene Burnard of MA 9:44PM June 15, 2009