Central Alberta Older Adult Employment Strategy Assessment Project full report (Supplied)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Individuals aged 55 and over

Central Alberta Older Adult Employment Strategy Assessment Project full report released

Apr 18, 2024 | 5:20 PM

The final report for the Central Alberta Older Adult Employment Strategy Assessment Project has been released.

Beginning in April 2023, the Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre and the Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce conducted the project, funded by the provincial and federal governments and administered by Brandi Heather Consulting. The project aimed to identify and explore the employment barriers and opportunities for adults aged 55 and over, as well as the needs of employers facing a shortage of skilled, experienced, and available labour in the region.

By exploring the region’s current employment services and listening to the experiences of those involved, organizers say significant gaps and resources were identified within the 248 voices represented.

The report provides recommendations to enhance systems navigation, address the intersectionality of ageism, gender, ability, and ethnicity, leverage community partnerships, and tailor resources specifically for adults over 55 and employers.

An overview can be found below:

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One of the key findings was a significant lack of awareness among individuals and employers regarding the existing employment resources, tools, and assistance available, as well as a shortage of programs tailored for adults over 55, mature workers, seniors, and older adults.

In central Alberta, although seventeen organizations offer resources, training, and employment services, only two have specific programs or resources for adults over 55. Only six per cent of individuals had received or identified resources specifically tailored to their age group while seeking employment opportunities, and only eight per cent of employers were aware of or utilized resources that assist in recruiting or retaining adults over 55.

Organizers say survey data and interviews highlighted the influence of ageism on individuals’ self-perception and self-confidence and their ability to transfer their skills and experience to employment opportunities. A prevalent sentiment emerged where participants, despite substantial evidence suggesting otherwise, expressed skepticism about their ability to re-enter the workforce and the value of their experience.

The top barriers to employment identified by individuals included an inability to identify their skills and experience in new job settings, feeling disrespected or excluded, the lack of financial compensation, and feeling unsupported by policies and practices related to adults over 55. Meanwhile, employers expressed high regard for the work ethic, reliability, insight, experience, and dedication of adults over 55 but noted a substantial knowledge gap regarding existing resources to hire, recruit, and retain such adults.

The top core workplace skills that individuals identified as having were almost identical to the top needs of employers, suggesting a matching supply and demand. Adults over 55, like most working adults, primarily seek flexible, meaningful, and stable employment that offers challenge and opportunities for social interaction.

The organizers recommend tailoring existing employment resources and services to adults over 55. They say there is a pressing need to establish a navigation system that bridges the divide between current employment resources and the skilled, experienced workforce of the age group. They add that employers expressed the need for resources that inform and help to guide their hiring and retention practices for adults over 55.

“We emphasize the importance of viewing employment not just as a job but as a vital component of holistic health and wellness for adults over 55,” said organizers in a release.

Finally, they state for future endeavours, a comprehensive examination of the effects of various social identities, especially focusing on the intersectionality of ageism, gender, and ethnicity, should be prioritized.

The full report can be found here:

READ: Local study presents recommendations to connect employers and adults over 55 looking for work

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