Age-Friendly Workplace Programs: Recruiting and Retaining Experienced Employees

Population aging, resulting from the combination of longer life expectancies and lower birthrates, has widespread implications for both employers and workers across the state of Colorado. As people live longer, many want and/or need to stay in the workforce beyond traditional retirement age to remain engaged and active, or to adequately save and achieve financial security when they retire. By 2030, according to the Colorado State Demography Office, age 55-plus workers are projected to account for 24 percent of Colorado’s labor force. 

Colorado’s Above-Fifty Employer Strategies (CAFES) aims to transform the way employers shape the future of aging in Colorado by addressing how they meet the needs and preferences of experienced employees (age 50+ workers). This project is a collaboration between University of Iowa's College of Public Health and Transamerica Institute. It has been made possible by a grant from Colorado-based nonprofit NextFifty Initiative. 

Age-Friendly Workplace Programs: Recruiting and Retaining Experienced Employees explores Colorado’s changing demographics and employment landscape. The research report contemplates the needs and expectations of experienced employees and identifies their vital contribution to the state’s economy. It highlights key implications for employers and their employment practices. Then, the report offers initial findings from the CAFES survey of 146 employers across the state of Colorado and presents a selection of best practices for employers to consider.  

Ultimately, this report is intended to inspire employers to open their hearts and minds to the many win-win opportunities associated with experienced employees and adopt best practices within their organizations.