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Widening Pathways to Work

Older Workers

Through the Older Workers initiative, SHRM Foundation empowers HR professionals to recruit, retain, and support experienced talent with tools, research, and actionable strategies that help organizations embrace age diversity and create inclusive, multigenerational workplaces.

Join us in building age-inclusive workplaces that tap into the full potential of every generation.

  • Overview
  • Research
  • Resources & Tools
  • More

Supporting Employers to Create Thriving Age-Inclusive Workplaces

72%

of workers aged 55 and older report feeling satisfied in their jobs—compared to just 57% of workers under 25.

2x

Older workers are twice as likely to stay in their roles long-term than other generations, bringing stability and reducing turn-over costs.

73%

of older workers already use AI in their daily work.


The Conference Board (2024), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), Visual Capitalist (2024)

older woman office

Unlocking Potential of the Aging Workforce

As workforces age and the demand for skilled talent continues to grow, it's time to rethink outdated assumptions about age and ability. Employers face a critical opportunity to harness the strengths of older workers—individuals who bring decades of experience, reliability, and institutional knowledge to the workplace. Despite their proven value, older workers often encounter age-related stigma and systemic barriers that limit their opportunities for hiring, advancement, and retention. These assumptions persist even as research shows older workers have higher job satisfaction, lower turnover, and equal productivity compared to younger peers.

SHRM Foundation’s Older Workers initiative equips HR professionals, hiring managers, and business leaders with evidence-based tools, training, and strategies to effectively engage, support, and retain experienced talent. From age-inclusive hiring practices to mentorship programs and flexible work policies, the initiative helps organizations design workplaces that recognize and reward the contributions of older employees.

Embracing the capabilities of older workers is a smart and crucial workforce strategy that builds stability, strengthens team performance, and bridges critical skills gaps across generations.

Research

Smiling confident senior businesswoman using laptop, sticky notes looking at monitor in modern office. Gray haired manager wearing stylish eyeglasses sitting at workplace. Scrum, agile concept
Understanding the Aging Workforce: Defining a Research Agenda

This report sets a multidisciplinary research framework exploring how aging, workplace policies, and health intersect to shape the employment experiences of older adults.

Published by National Academies Press

Learn More
Older man working on factory floor.
Aging Workforce, Rising Potential: Policy and Employer Action for Older Workers

This brief outlines why employers should prioritize upskilling and reskilling older employees to address talent shortages, tap into experienced workers, and support their financial security.

Published by CAEL

Learn More
A small group of older workers in an office
Are Older Workers Good for Business?

This working paper from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College examines how employers benefit from hiring and retaining older workers — and why their experience enhances organizational performance.

Published by Boston College

Learn More

Resources & Tools

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Age-Inclusive Employment Strategies

This resource from SHRM Foundation and AARP Foundation synthesizes recent to dispel myths about older works and reinforce that experienced workers contribute equal productivity and high-quality work for modern organizations.

Learn More
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AARP Hiring Toolkit

A robust self-assessment toolkit from AARP offering strategies, templates, and "Try It Now" exercises to help hiring teams implement age-inclusive recruitment from job posting to onboarding.

Learn More
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ODEP Older Workers Resources

The Office of Disability Employment Policy offers employer-focused resources — including stay-at-work/return-to-work programs and accommodation guidance — to help retain aging employees and support workforce longevity.

Learn More

HR Daily Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest HR news, trends, and expert advice each business day.

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