Connecticut Issue | June 2024

Volume 9, Issue 2

Creating a Supportive Workplace for Aging Employees

In today’s evolving workforce, employers are seeing more and more the value of hiring older workers. The participation rate of workers aged 55 and older has steadily increased over the past two decades and is forecasted to continue to rise through 2030. As employers embrace the benefits of a diverse workforce, it’s important for them to consider the unique health and wellness needs of older adults. Understanding these needs can help foster a more inclusive environment and enhance overall productivity and job satisfaction. 

As individuals age, their health and wellness needs evolve. Employers play a pivotal role in creating a workplace culture that supports the well-being of all employees, especially older adults. This includes offering flexible work arrangements that accommodate various needs, providing continuous learning and development opportunities and remaining engaged in their career. 

Supporting mental health is another area that employers can support. Employers can encourage time off, provide access to resources like counseling and keep up to date on anti-discrimination laws to protect older workers’ rights. Facilitating community and connection within the workplace is also important. Activities like team building, social gatherings, peer groups, committees and mentoring programs promote and strengthen interpersonal relationships among employees and can help older workers assimilate and feel included in the culture. 

Similarly, older workers can take proactive steps to achieve a healthy work-life balance. Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, establishing structured routines, prioritizing self-care, and seeking support when necessary are crucial for sustaining well-being throughout one’s career.

As a significant part of the workforce continues to age, it’s important for both employers and employees to adapt to the changing landscape. Embracing age diversity and addressing the needs of older workers is key to building a strong company culture. 

Source: AARP, SHRM, CDC

Why Older Adults are Staying in the Workforce

According to a Pew Research Center report, 62% of individuals 65 and older are still working full-time, compared to just 47% in 1987. Yahoo Finance's Kerry Hannon joins Wealth! to provide insight into why older adults are still clocking in, and how their presence may benefit companies.

Empowering Success: The Grant Performance Management System Team's Impact on MaturityWorks

MaturityWorks is excited to share an update on the work of the Grantee Performance Management System (GPMS) Team. Comprising of a program manager and two performance data specialists, the team supports 12 career counselors across 4 states. The team is responsible for entering participants data into The US Department of Labors management system and maintaining electronic participant files. 

Thanks to the GPMS team's efforts, career counselors are no longer bogged down by paperwork and can redirect their efforts towards expanding participant outreach and nurturing relationships with Host Agencies. Since the implementation of the GPMS Team's strategies, MaturityWorks has achieved remarkable milestones. Enrollment figures have surged, with 215 new participants joining the program—an impressive 8% increase. Moreover, the team has successfully onboarded over 15 new Host Agency partners, broadening the program's community impact. The GPMS Team exemplifies how strategic data management and dedicated support can transform operational efficiencies and drive substantial growth.

Participant Spotlight

Glorimar Villanueva, a 65-year-old sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, dedicated the past few years to caring for her sick husband and disabled grandson. Seeking additional income, she turned to MaturityWorks for employment assistance. With guidance from her career counselor, Glorimar enrolled in MaturityWorks and crafted a plan to re-enter the workforce. 

Her journey began with a training assignment at Central Connecticut Coast YMCA as a janitorial assistant. Reflecting on her experience, Glorimar stated, 'This training has made it easier to care for my husband and grandson; now I feel ready to return to work.' 

Working closely with her counselor, Glorimar tackled job applications. Before MaturityWorks, she struggled with callbacks and needed help updating her resume and using the internet for job searches. Together, they revamped her resume, refined her job search strategies, and practiced interviewing, boosting her confidence significantly. Their efforts paid off as Glorimar received positive responses from several local companies seeking employees. Ultimately, she secured her ideal job at Bridgeport Hospital as an Environmental Services Associate. This position offered flexible hours, a comprehensive benefits package, and renewed hope for her family's future. 

Host Agency Spotlight

Hartford Knights Youth Organization (HKYO) is a non-profit youth mentoring education organization [501(3) C] dedicated to enhancing the lives of Greater Hartford’s “at-risk” youth. Since 2000, HKYO has provided help to the community through mentoring, tutoring, higher education assistance, drug and alcohol intervention, and athletic programs. Over 1,000 youth have participated in HKYO’s sports, academic and behavioral programs and they have supported over 120 students in college.  

The collaboration between HKYO and MaturityWorks has provided opportunities for trainees to assist the organization’s mission. Currently, three trainees are gaining practical experience training as paraprofessionals and maintenance technicians. Their responsibilities include assisting and coordinating mentoring sessions, providing administrative assistance, helping program leaders with preparing materials, setting up activities and supporting the planning and execution of special events. They also work to maintain the facilities, to ensure a safe environment for youth activities.

This hands-on training equips our trainees with practical skills that foster personal growth and development in communications, leadership and problem-solving. With the support and guidance received at HKYO, MaturityWorks participants are well-positioned to pursue future employment opportunities.