Karen Brown

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month With this year's theme of "Access to Good Jobs for All," I want to highlight the intersection of age and disability in the workforce: 43.9% of people aged 65+ in the U.S. have a disability (CDC). Many of these individuals seek part-time, full-time, gig, or project-based work. Older adults bring experience, commitment, and adaptability—key assets for any business. Hiring older adults with disabilities fosters a diverse, inclusive workplace that benefits everyone. Consider tapping into this talented, yet often overlooked, workforce. To learn more about NDEAM, check out this link - lnkd.in/gGUP_-8y #NDEAM #AgeDiversity #InclusiveWorkforce

A Growing Workforce Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics - the Over 65 Population! Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "the 65-and-older group’s population growth is sizable enough to account for more than 60 percent of the projected labor force growth over the 2020–30 decade. This is a substantial change in growth trends. Before 2010, almost all labor force growth was driven by those ages 25 to 64." National Employ an Older Adult Week is designed to elevate awareness of this population as a resource for employers to tap today and in the future. Learn more about NEOWW here - lnkd.in/gTgn-YAR #NEOWW #WorkforceDevelopment #AgeInclusion

Colorado Lieutenant Governor Primavera Shares Why She Keeps Working! As we celebrate National Employ Older Workers Week, I am proud to say that I’m working in my fourth career. I have served as a state employee, state legislator, nonprofit executive and, currently, the 50th Lieutenant Governor of Colorado. Without the experience I acquired in the first three chapters of my professional life, I would never have been able to have the breadth of experience necessary to successfully chart a course for my role as Lieutenant Governor of Colorado. I am for every challenge and opportunity that shaped me over decades and I carry those experiences with me each day in my current role. My own story is an example of why I believe older workers are a vital part of our diverse workforce. I believe that older workers are an asset to our economy. As most business owners know, it is crucial to recognize the talents that each applicant possesses and understand the challenges that they may face when filling a role. Older adults are a valuable part of our community and empowering them to play an active role in our workforce is important to meet Colorado’s and America’s economic goals. For example, in 2014, the median tenure of workers ages 55-64 in all industries was 10.4 years, more than three times the 3.0 years for workers ages 25-34 years (US Bureau of Labor Statistics). This is especially helpful in industries where turnover is a challenge - like retail, childcare, and food service. Older workers often have skills, judgment, and knowledge that can only be achieved through time and experience. This is important in industries where technical skills can take years to develop and mentors are needed to guide the next generation. Intergenerational relationships play a tremendous role in personal growth and professional success. Conversely, older workers, when properly trained, can also overcome the perceived “technology gap” excuse often used as a reason for hesitation in some industries. Of course, some considerations may be taken into account when hiring an older worker. Fortunately, with the recent advances in the changing climate of workspaces, employers have realized that accommodating the needs of employees increases satisfaction and helps reduce turnover. Remote work, flexible scheduling, and accessibility requirements are all examples of these advances that can help accommodate older workers. I believe that our state works better when we value each individual’s strengths in an economy where individuals of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and preferences are welcome and able to thrive. It is why I have been able to grow as a professional. I hope we provide the same opportunity for older workers who refuse to sit on the sidelines and wish to participate in our economy. Check out the Facing Ageism in America where Lt. Governor Primavera shares more insights - lnkd.in/gzETxxZe #NEOWW #EQS24 #WorkforceDevelopment #AgeInclusion .

The Future of Work = Age Inclusive and Intergenerational! Looking to the future, a thriving workforce will be age-inclusive, spanning all ages from young adults to people over 55— which happens to be the fastest-growing segment of our workforce! Despite their skills, experience, and wisdom garnered through decades of living and working, older workers often face outdated stereotypes that hold them back. Eliminating age bias in hiring and valuing employees for what they bring to the table now and in the future will be key. Why Older Workers Matter: ·       Leadership & Mentoring ·       Institutional Knowledge ·       Stability & Reliability In a world where there are fewer younger people and a growing aging population interested in or needing to work, everyone, including older adults traditionally considered phasing out, will need to be a part of the talent pipeline. Check out this HBR article – Unlocking the Benefits of Multigenerational Workforces - lnkd.in/g7pv9VyM Celebrating National Employ an Older Adult Week – NEOWW – September 22 to 28th, 2024 - lnkd.in/gTgn-YAR #NEOWW #AgeInclusion #TalentPipeline #WorkforceDevelopment

You still have time to register for the free virtual Equity Summit 2024 hosted by the Center for Workforce Inclusion! It's tomorrow - Tuesday - September 24 - starting at 9:30 ET. It's National Employ an Older Adult Week! And to move this initiative forward, the Center for Workforce Inclusion and CWI Labs will be convening more than 1,000 employers, decision-makers, influencers, policymakers, and practitioners for a unique opportunity – to discuss the economic imperative of an age-inclusive workforce. Older Americans have a labor force participation rate of only 38% and a long-term unemployment rate of 28%. And these numbers only worsen for older adults in traditionally underrepresented communities. Unlike other workforce conferences, the Summit focuses exclusively on solutions to the systemic obstacles that prevent our nation from achieving a fully inclusive workforce. Register here -lnkd.in/dujGaSXE See you there! #AgeInclusion #TalentPipeline #WorkforceDevelopment

National Employ an Older Adult Week is coming up on September 22nd-28th, 2024. As we celebrate Workforce Development Month this September, employers need to seek talent from every pocket of the talent pool, including older adults. Ahead of next week's designation, here are some statistics about older workers from the National Council on Aging: - In 2023, 11.2 million Americans aged 65+ were actively working or seeking employment. - Women comprise 46% of all older workers. - Older workers express higher job satisfaction compared to their younger counterparts. Let's recognize the valuable contributions and expertise that older adults bring to the workforce. #WorkforceDev2024 #HR #FutureOfWork

🏅 Los Angeles takes the gold in the 50+ Workforce Olympics with the AdvantAGE LA Plan! This trailblazing initiative champions older workers, setting a new benchmark for inclusivity and innovation. LA elevates the aging workforce as a resource for employers and the economy – a wise and essential move. Let’s all follow their lead! wiblacity.org/images/reports… #AdvantAGELA #AARP #NLC #NACo #CMLO #COCounties #NAWB #WorkforceDev2024

Kudos to @GovofCO & the state of Colorado for declaring September #WorkforceDevelopmentMonth! 🙌A huge thanks to the workforce professionals across the state who are helping create a “Colorado for All.” But let’s not forget about older adults (50+), a key group for our economic future, who were left out of the proclamation. Age inclusivity is crucial! #COWorkforce #OlderWorkers #AgeInclusivity #FutureOfWork #GovPolis 🔗 View the full proclamation: cdle.colorado.gov/sites/cdle/fil…

Love working with kiddos? Join us 9/12/24 @ JCCOA meeting to learn about the Early Childhood Service Corps (ECSC). ECSC addresses workforce shortages in the Early Childhood (EC) field and combats social isolation among older adults. 2 pm at 500 Jefferson Cty Parkway, Golden, CO.

Another Encore opportunity! Attend the 9/12/24 JCCOA meeting. Learn about the University of Denver's Change Makers program, which empowers older adults to navigate their next chapter. The meeting starts at 2 pm MST at 500 Jefferson Cty Parkway, Golden, CO.

An Encore opportunity! Attend the 9/12/24 JCCOA meeting. Learn about the Older Adult Research Specialist (OARS) Program-2 pm-500 Jefferson Cty Parkway-Golden-CO. This program offers volunteering-stipends-full-time employment -- enhancing research inclusivity.

2/22 - Encore Network welcomes Chip Conley, bestselling author & co-founder of the Modern Elder Academy (MEA). Chip will share insights from his new book, "Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better With Age" (01/2024). WIN A FREE BOOK encorenetwork.org/event/a-conver…

Sept. 14 - Join Encore Network in celebrating Workforce Development Month & 50+ Workers. Hear from the National Association of Workforce Boards Interim Director and experts in 50+ worker issues/trends. Register here - encorenetwork.org/event/filling-…

Most ppl want to remain 🏠 & get the help they need as they age. Right now, access to in-home care depends on where you live, and it isn’t always equitable/culturally competent. Policymakers should refer to our Equity Framework to ensure HCBS meets the needs of ppl like Marti

SB23-058 - the Job Application Fairness Act - is now law in Colorado, banning asking age & graduation dates from initial job applications. Thank you @JessieDanielson, @RepMaryYoung, @JennyforCO, and @sonyajlewis for your sponsorship and support.

Do you need to fill your #talentpipeline? #OlderWorkers Solution! The Encore Network prepared an Employers Guide to Engage Older Workers mapping the benefits of experienced talent, dispelling stereotypes, and recommending how to tap. bit.ly/EncoreEmployer…… #workforce

@encore_janine @network_encore See you there!

#OlderAmericansMonth and #EconDevWeek converge this week. An economic development resource for communities? Leveraging the talents and experience of #OlderWorkers. @TheEncoreNetwork’s NEW Employers Guide will help you do that. Join the launch on May 17. bit.ly/ENEmployerGuide

@BellPolicy @AARPCO @cocenter4aging @Disabilitylawco @encore_janine @JessieDanielson @sonyajlewis @RepMaryYoung @JennyforCO Thanks to all the Older Worker Policy Collaborative members mentioned above! And thanks to the 322 lobbyists and employers who were willing to work with the Collaborative to move this legislation forward.

@BellPolicy is thrilled to see this bill pass, which pushes back on age discrimination in hiring. Big thanks to partners: @KPefferBrown @AARPCO @cocenter4aging @Disabilitylawco @encore_janine @JessieDanielson @sonyajlewis @RepMaryYoung @JennyforCO #coleg bit.ly/3NfB2fp