Upskilling for Returning Baby Boomers

HR Professionals Magazine recently published an article, "Baby Boomers at Work May Ease Labor Shortages", by Robert Schwarz from ADP. Robert makes the argument that the "Great Resignation" has become the "Great Reskilling".  

While it is true the events of the last few years has increased the number of unfilled job openings due to workers not being satisfied with their employment, resulting in what has become known as the "Great Resignation", it has become more of a "Great Reshuffle" as individuals reevaluate their home and job priorities and seek new opportunities. Others simply decided to stay home for personal reasons. While others have left to start their own businesses.  

Regardless of the complex reasons for the tight labor market, employers are needing to reskill workers to prepare them for new roles.

This is especially true for Baby Boomers who may be returning to the workforce after retirement. While Baby Boomers tend to be particularly reliable workers, they may need specialized training on specific skills needed for job success in a new position. Some returning workers may have been retired for some time, while others may want to experience something new. These workers can be led through a short-term, focused program to train them on the most important skills needed to be successful in their new roles.  

As Robert explains, "Any potential job candidate, whether they’ve been in retirement for some time or just want to try their hand at something new, may require reskilling. To meet this need, employers should consider embracing the concept of microdegrees – intensive, job-specific instruction that gets these employees up to speed on the core fundamentals of their role as quickly as possible."

“It’s not like going for a liberal arts bachelor’s degree. Instead, show me how I get better at the job in six to eight weeks,” says Jason Delserro, ADP’s Chief Talent Acquisition Officer.

The concept of microdegrees could work hand in hand with either in-person or virtual trainings. Other on-the-job-training activities could also be incorporated into the upskilling program, such as apprenticeships and job shadowing. Incorporating online learning with in-person activities may give you the best of both worlds.

In today's tight job market and reskilling challenges, training for new workers may need to be very customized and company specific. Using modern eLearning platforms and creative course design, employers can create, deliver and adjust online training quickly and economically in-house. 

Create courses that focus on the most important skills and get your workers up to speed as quickly as possible. With today's modern technology it is easier than ever to communicate what matters most to you to your employees quickly and to then adjust course as needed.

Consider MobiFirst Academy to deliver your custom, flexible training to your returning Baby Boomers, or any new worker that needs to upskill quickly.