Newsur Mature Workers Are Transforming Retirement (NAPSA)—Like fine wine, mature workers are getting better and more valuable as they age. They are at the top of their game— educated, experienced, productive, techno-savvy, and reliable. You may have heard that approximately 60 million baby boomers are expected to leave the workforce over the next 15 years. However, recent studies show that many baby boomersare not retiring in the traditional sense of the word. Theyare opting to stay in the workforce often as “free agents,” defined as temporary employees, freelancers, independent professionals, and consultants. In fact, mature workers represent one part of the fastest-growing segment in today’s employ- ment environment in the form of free agents. For these mature workers, the priority is fitting their work into their lifestyle. Because mature workers offer a wealth of experience and are ready, willing and able to work beyond traditional retirement age, they find temporary positions accommodate their needs. Taking early retirement from a major international insurance provider in 2002, Steve Dukefelt he still had somethingto offer professionally. He joined Kelly Ser- vices as a temporary employee and is now working as a claims adjustor in both catastrophe and noncatastrophe scenarios around the country on a part-time basis. “T am able to pick and choose where I would like to go and for how long,” said Duke. “The payis great and I’m in a claims environment where I know the computer software, systems and processes, which enables me to be productive on the first day of a new assignment.” Older, more experienced workers can beinvaluable. Duke’s story reflects Kelly Services’ growing emphasis in placing mature workers in a variety of employment scenarios. As an AARP Featured Employer and one of AARP’s 2005 Best Employers for Workers Over 50, Kelly offers a wide variety of opportunities for mature workers including full-time, part-time, and short-term or long-term assignments. “Mature workers are a significant, valued segment of our workforce. Increasingly, employers are seeking these dynamic workers because they bring vital experience, expertise and maturity to their roles,” said Kelly Services’ President and Chief Operating Officer, Carl Camden. Over the next two decades, today’s mature workers will be transforming “retirement.” This generation of retirees will be the healthiest, most physically active, and the most motivated to continue working. Companies whose strategy includes hiring mature workers will find they havehigh credentials and are well suited to meet the demandsof the future workplace.
