Tuesday, January 15, 2008

The New York Times and Job Market Research: The Aging Workforce

In 2002, The New York Times formed, in collaboration with Monster.com, an entity “to focus attention on key issues and trends affecting the recruiting industry.” The entity is called “job market research.” Its stated goal is to keep abreast of hiring practices in key industries. The methodology they use is to commission third parties to conduct surveys of employers on seminal issues. A recent survey conducted by Hewitt Associates focused on diversity. Of interest to us, and perhaps to our blog readers, is a section in it called, “The Aging Workforce.” Specifically, the survey found that by 2010, the U.S. workforce will:
  • Increase by 29% in the 45-64 age group
  • Increase by 14% in the 65+ age group
  • Decline 1% in the 18-44 age group
Good news for those of you who, like too many of us, are gaining senior status among our youthful colleagues. As George Bernard Shaw famously said, “Youth is a wonderful thing. What a crime to waste it on children.”
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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

In addition to the change in workforce that will be leading to a more predominant “older” population, it will be increasingly important for Rehabilitation Counselors to keep in mind unique issues that this population may bring. The following facts make for an important argument for professionals to secure additional training to deal with these issues (Swett & Bishop, 2003):

By the year 2030 there will be 70 million people over 65 years of age (20.1% of the population; p. 13)

Of people 65 years of age and over currently, 75% have at least one chronic illness and 50% have at least two chronic illnesses (p.13)

Mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety disorder can lead to increased risk factors for stroke and heart disease (p. 14).

These facts make it obvious that counselors need to seek training if they are currently ill equipped to handle issues that are unique to an obviously aging population. Prevention should be at the heart of any training or technique that is employed. Assessments into and potential comorbid mental health issue should be addressed through relevant testing or referrals. By preparing for this population now, Rehabilitation Counselors will be best suited for ensuring that the aging populations maintain their sense of meaningfulness (often felt from a continuing engagement at work), happiness, and thereby decreasing risk for anxiety disorders and depressive episodes.

Work Cited:

Swett, E. A., & Bishop, M. (2003). Mental health and the aging population: Implication for
Rehabilitation counselors. Journal of Rehabilitation, 69, 13-18.

January 28, 2008 at 11:33 AM

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