Pennsylvania 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

Mary Alice Coyle had been unemployed for over 7 years before joining MaturityWorks. Previously Mary Alice worked at AONA Medical Education Company as an office administrator which included training and supervising Customer Service Representatives / Registrars and other Support Staff. However, after her position ended, she faced hurdles in securing new employment due to gaps in her Microsoft Office skills, a limited professional network, and diminished self-confidence. 

Mary Alice worked with her Career Counselor to address these barriers. She was placed for training in the resource area at the PA CareerLink in Exton, PA as an administrative assistant. During her training Mary Alice assisted clients with online job searches, resume editing, and used computers to improve her MS Office skills during the down times.   

Mary Alice's dedication and collaboration with her Career Counselor paid off. She sharpened her job search and interview skills, leading to a successful placement in an administrative role at The Watermark at Bellingham, where she now supports seniors. Mary Alice is optimistic about her future and grateful for programs like MaturityWorks that provide crucial training and support.  

Host Agency Spotlight

Episcopal Place at Park Row is a luxury senior living community located in Upland, Delaware County operated by Church Housing Corp. Episcopal Place hosts 63 units to seniors and offers amenities such as community rooms, community vegetable garden, transportation to and from grocery stores, local library and to doctor appointments. Episcopal Place has many services and activities for seniors including on site deliveries for food and medication, mobile clinics, local excursions and weekly activities like bingo, movie night, fitness classes, nutrition courses and more.  

Over the past two years, the Episcopal Place has hosted 6 Maturity Works participants who have excelled in roles such as janitorial, groundskeeping and pantry work. Under the guidance of Lashonta Pendergrass, site manager, participants have not only enjoyed their assignments but also gained valuable skills and work experience.  

Janitorial trainees work to maintain the facilities and keep them safe and clean for all those who live and visit. They have learned skills such as attention to detail, time management and how to work with different cleaning products. Groundskeepers work to maintain the outside space of the facility including landscaping and maintenance, fostering strong work ethic and flexibility. Pantry workers learn about inventory management, organization and customer service. These experiences are invaluable for participants seeking to transition to new employment opportunities. Together, Episcopal Place and Maturity Works continue to empower individuals, preparing them for success in their future careers through practical experience and meaningful contributions to our community.