The Daily News

As National Employ Older Workers Week comes to a close, West Central Initiative (WCI) of Fergus Falls, Minn. hopes to still reach regional businesses on retaining and attracting an age group that may possess a set of skills different than an entry-level employee.

The Experienced Worker Toolkit, released to the public on the Web in the spring, provides numerous links for employers to help engage older workers.

As a number of businesses in the WCI nine-county coverage area begin to hire again, they may find a series of older workers with exceptional talent and experience seeking full or part time work, said Sandy King, WCI vice-president of operations.

Irv Weishaar of Breckenridge stocks the shelves at Jubilee Foods Friday morning during his 8 a.m.-2 p.m. shift. Jubilee Foods Manager Russ Graves said older employees in the workplace bring a wealth of experience. West Central Initiative of Fergus Falls, Minn. is encouraging regional businesses to seek out their recently released Experienced Worker Toolkit in order to retain and recruit employees over the age of 60. photo by Erin Hevern Advertisement

"I think as the labor market is tighter, and as we know we have this aging population, I think it will be a wonderful asset to our region to retain these older workers," King said.

The toolkit, also developed by the Minnesota Labor Force Development Council, was intended to help employers realize the benefits an employee aged 60 and older can bring to a work environment. West Central Initiative believes mature workers can contribute to increased productivity and a more positive work environment.

Russ Graves, manager of Jubilee in Breckenridge, expressed the same sentiment, saying the older workers he employs who range in age from 60 to 80 bring wisdom, longevity and a "wealth of experience." And although they may only work 8-10 hours per week, their work is labor- oriented, including unloading groceries from a supply truck and stocking shelves.

"You don't have to tell them what to do. They're trained," he said. "Most of them still have the initiative to do it on their own."

Once a business or manufacturer has identified possible hires, the toolkit can coach the employer on how to conduct an age-friendly interview or train the already skilled worker.

"It really can be a win, win situation and what we're really hoping is businesses do some minor adjusting...and tap this great resource," King said.

Although Wilkin Countyuses a systematic hiring process and specifically hires individuals who apply, Wayne Bezenek, county auditor, indicated the entity would welcome the older worker to apply if they qualify.

"We have job descriptions for every job and the individual would have to qualify under that job description," Bezenek said. ""If I were hiring someone in the auditor's office, I would definitely look at the experience of an individual. You just have to, that's part of it."

West Central Initiative, utilizing the tool kit's purpose, employs the older-generation worker too, including a retired banker that's been with the company part time for more than 10 years. And while every position in the company isn't a good fit for an older individual, West Central Initiative has been able to hire older people for positions that require minimal hours.

"It takes a little bit of training on both sides. What we've seen is the little bit of effort that can go into it is going to pay off," King said.

Businesses can access WCI's toolkit at www.wcif.org/?olderworker_toolkit, or by accessing www.wcif.org and clicking on 'links.'

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