HR: Leading People, Leading Organizations © 2006 SHRM SHRM Weekly Online Survey: August 29, 2006 Older Workers Sample comprised of 308 randomly selected HR professionals. Analyzing 308 responses of s sent, s were received (response rate = 12%). Survey fielded August 29 – September 4, 2006; presentation generated on September 12, Margin of error is +/- 6%.

HR: Leading People, Leading Organizations © 2006 SHRM SHRM Weekly Online Survey: August 29, 2006 In your opinion, what do you, as an HR professional, view as the advantages of hiring older workers compared to other workers? Percentages does not total 100% as multiple responses were allowed.

HR: Leading People, Leading Organizations © 2006 SHRM SHRM Weekly Online Survey: August 29, 2006 In your opinion, what do you, as an HR professional, view as the advantages of hiring older workers compared to other workers? ChoicePercent of Cases (2006) Percent of Cases (2003) Older workers have had invaluable experiences in their careers71%72% Older workers serve as mentors for workers with less experience64%72% Older workers may be more willing to work part-time or seasonally to fulfill labor-on-demand needs 61%72% Older workers are more reliable60%68% Older workers have a stronger work ethic59%69% Older workers add diversity of thought/approach to team projects58%61% Older workers take work more seriously50%58% Older workers are more loyal46%58% Older workers have established networks of contacts and clients40%51% Older workers have higher retention rates34%44% Older workers have more knowledge and/or skills30% Older workers are more productive14%16% Older workers are more readily available (larger candidate pool of older workers) 10%23% There are no advantages0%1% Other4%3%

HR: Leading People, Leading Organizations © 2006 SHRM SHRM Weekly Online Survey: August 29, 2006 Other advantages of hiring older workers compared to other workers? Wisdom, Emotional Intelligence, Team Players Sometimes they also provide patience as they have seen things come and go and understand the big picture cycle of things. Older workers are more apt to work for not for profits -- like us Older workers are as productive. Many of your options need to be asked with the context of continuing to employ; not just hiring. Also if you are just isolating older workers, it should be clear to the responder - do not blend older with long-term employees. Answers will change. Many of these may or may not apply but it is dependent on the individual not age I was tempted to check all of these, but of course it is wrong to stereotype older workers just as it is younger. All could be true. All are often true. I do not believe that you should categorize a worker based on their age. There are examples of these advantages in all age groups. Generally have more drive because they have living expenses and we pay on commission so need folks who are "hungry" and produce results Extend the available workforce Dependability Attendance Performance

HR: Leading People, Leading Organizations © 2006 SHRM SHRM Weekly Online Survey: August 29, 2006 In your opinion, what do you, as an HR professional, view as the disadvantages of hiring older workers compared to other workers? Percentages does not total 100% as multiple responses were allowed.

HR: Leading People, Leading Organizations © 2006 SHRM SHRM Weekly Online Survey: August 29, 2006 In your opinion, what do you, as an HR professional, view as the disadvantages of hiring older workers compared to other workers? Choice Percent of Cases (2006) Percent of Cases (2003) Older workers do not keep up with technology49%53% Older workers cause expenses such as health care costs to rise38%36% There are no disadvantages24%19% Older workers are less flexible compared to younger workers23%28% Older workers are more likely to take time from work to deal with eldercare issues 13%12% Older workers require more training than employees of other generations 11%14% Older workers only want to work flexible hours (e.g., part-time, flextime, etc.) 10%7% Older workers stifle creativity in the organization with their “old school” ideas 10%14% Older workers do not work well with employees of other generations9%7% Older workers do not have the same drive as younger workers7%14% Older workers have higher rates of absenteeism1%4% Other4%

HR: Leading People, Leading Organizations © 2006 SHRM SHRM Weekly Online Survey: August 29, 2006 Other disadvantages of hiring older workers compared to other workers? The value of relationships are more important to older workers - this can create productivity issues and conflict with those on a career track. Some older workers have issues with manual labor positions, standing for long periods of time, heavy or repetitive lifting, etc. Some limited physical abilities/arthritis problems Short term employee Productivity and safety issues more challenging with older workers Older workers have more trouble with the physical demands of the job. Older worker's have less opportunity for longevity; closer to retirement Not likely to remain with the organization for long May not be able to do physical labor Less productive I do not believe that you should categorize a worker based on their age. Conflicts with Medicare earning limitations At times older workers may not be as productive as some younger workers based on the job.