11 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Senior for That Job!

I have often felt intimidated by younger competitors in the job market when applying for work. But, after doing my research I've found that seniors actually are the perfect candidate for employment! Here are 11 reasons why seniors make much better employees than our younger counterparts. Instead of feeling intimidated by the competition, I almost feel sorry for them now!

1. They have No Children to Care For:

Seniors do not have babies or school aged children to take care of. Most seniors do not have young children at home. Many are single and if they are married they seldom need to call in sick to take care of a spouse which makes them more flexible in the workplace. If you need them to stay and work overtime they can because they have the flexibility. They don't have school schedules or children to pick up from day-care.

2. They have Experience:

Seniors have experience, sometimes a lifetime of experience. Younger workers cannot compare with seniors when it comes to experience even if it is just life experience. Knowing how to deal with people and situations over a lifetime can greatly contribute to a business. There may be areas such as computer skills or specialized skills that require someone with specific expertise but overall the life-time experience that a person over 50 will outweigh most college credits.

3. They are Dependable:

Older workers are dependable workers. People who were raised 40 years ago were taught that your word is your bond. They seldom come to work late and will often stay until the job is done.

4. They Will Often Work For Less Money:

Many times seniors will work for less money because they already have a retirement income, therefore they can work for less money. They don't need a high income because they usually already own a house and have downsized. Furthermore, they don't have dependents to support. Many seniors enjoy their work and want to stay at their job even if it pays less than they are worth, for them, it is as much a social benefit as an economic benefit.

5. The don't get Hangovers from Partying the night before:

When hiring the elderly you will seldom have to worry about them calling in because they partied too much the night before. More often than not they are exemplary employees and roll models for younger employees to look up to.

6. Seniors are Well educated:

1/3 of all baby boomers have a college degree.

7. They have Good manners and are Presentable:

Most seniors do not have potty mouths, they don't tell the boss where to shove it and they aren't rude to customers. They don't have tattoos or nose rings either. In many instances your employees are the face of your company. Elderly people know how to dress appropriately for a business and are presentable.

8. Seniors are Stable:

Seniors are more likely to stay put. They are not about to sell their homes and move somewhere else. So if you hire them you, more than likely, will not have to look for another employee next year because their spouse has accepted a job in another state or they have graduated college and are moving.

9. They are Loyal:

According to HR Magazine, older workers are more loyal than other age group. If you treat seniors well you will be rewarded. Whereas job hopping is the new normal for Millenials seniors, if treated fairly, will react with loyalty. They are not as apt to search for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow as other age groups are.

10. They Have Lower Absenteeism:

In spite of being older senior employees actually call in sick less than their younger co-workers.

Quite a few employees will come in even if they are sick but if they have children and they get sick they have to call in.

11. Seniors Cost Companies Less in Benefits!:

Although this goes against the grain studies have shown that employees of child bearing years, who have spouses and children on their plans, actually cost companies more in terms of benefits than elderly employees.

While hiring a senior may not always be the right choice it certainly is a better deal for employers in most cases. Unless the job requires a great deal of physical strength and/or stamina the facts show that seniors offer employers more bang for their salary buck. Seniors bring years of experience and practical life skills to a job that in many instances cannot be replaced with youth. So the next time you are looking for a new employee don't turn your nose up at the grey haired man or woman waiting in the lobby for that interview. It could be the best decision you ever make!