COVID 19 Pandemic and the New Workplace
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In November alone, 4.5 million Americans quit their jobs — the highest monthly total since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began tracking those figures in 2000. In January, to find out why this is happening. Respondents cited lots of different reasons. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Many who retired recently said they had no plans to reconsider. About 7percent of respondents said they had taken a different job, while 6 percent are now working independently — as Uber or food delivery drivers, selling things made at home, and so on. This retirement wave has taken a toll on the American economy, but job losses also affected the ability of individuals and families to meet their day-to-day financial needs. In the weeks since AARP's January survey, news reports have suggested that the stress of higher housing, gas and food prices, along with potential of this level of inflation continuing, are causing even those who had no plans to return to the workforce to rethink. The good news is that these workers are in demand. More employers are bringing work teams back into the office and stepping up hiring. And older workers have an edge. A separate found that three-fourths of employers want skills more than academic degrees. And employers are emphasizing values like professionalism, work ethic, leadership and problem-solving. Older workers have developed those characteristics over a lifetime on the job. AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Employers are also understanding the value of a . They realize that having workers of different ages increases productivity, lowers absenteeism and enhances employee engagement — all of which benefit both employer and employee. All this means there is an opportunity for early retirees to return to the workforce in 2022. And more experienced workers have the chance to seek jobs with better pay, opportunities for growth and increased flexibility. That's all good news. Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > But some stubborn issues remain. Older workers . A December 2020 AARP survey found that nearly 80 percent of older workers reported seeing or experiencing a lack of fair treatment in the workforce, the highest number we have ever seen. AARP is working with both employers and older job seekers to meet the demand for more older workers. For example, we have a and the that businesses can sign on to as a resource for hiring Americans 50 and over. So far, nearly 2,000 companies have signed the pledge, expressing their desire to hire these experienced, seasoned people. Thes include major companies like Apple, Microsoft, PayPal and Walgreens. We also provide a wide range of services, resources and webinars for older workers to help with , job hunting, , using online job search resources and combating ageism. These resources are available online at . Thanks to a , we've launched another promising initiative. AARP Foundation in collaboration with aims to help 25,000 lower-income older adults — particularly women and people of color — improve their technology skills. Through the initiative, they will get training they need to find jobs, get hired and enhance their careers. AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS
COVID-19 and the New Workplace
AARP is helping workers adjust to a new reality
Jo Ann Jenkins Photo by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders The has had a profound impact on the American workforce, especially those 50 and older. Since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, workers have left their jobs in record numbers in what is being called “.”In November alone, 4.5 million Americans quit their jobs — the highest monthly total since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began tracking those figures in 2000. In January, to find out why this is happening. Respondents cited lots of different reasons. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Many who retired recently said they had no plans to reconsider. About 7percent of respondents said they had taken a different job, while 6 percent are now working independently — as Uber or food delivery drivers, selling things made at home, and so on. This retirement wave has taken a toll on the American economy, but job losses also affected the ability of individuals and families to meet their day-to-day financial needs. In the weeks since AARP's January survey, news reports have suggested that the stress of higher housing, gas and food prices, along with potential of this level of inflation continuing, are causing even those who had no plans to return to the workforce to rethink. The good news is that these workers are in demand. More employers are bringing work teams back into the office and stepping up hiring. And older workers have an edge. A separate found that three-fourths of employers want skills more than academic degrees. And employers are emphasizing values like professionalism, work ethic, leadership and problem-solving. Older workers have developed those characteristics over a lifetime on the job. AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Employers are also understanding the value of a . They realize that having workers of different ages increases productivity, lowers absenteeism and enhances employee engagement — all of which benefit both employer and employee. All this means there is an opportunity for early retirees to return to the workforce in 2022. And more experienced workers have the chance to seek jobs with better pay, opportunities for growth and increased flexibility. That's all good news. Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > But some stubborn issues remain. Older workers . A December 2020 AARP survey found that nearly 80 percent of older workers reported seeing or experiencing a lack of fair treatment in the workforce, the highest number we have ever seen. AARP is working with both employers and older job seekers to meet the demand for more older workers. For example, we have a and the that businesses can sign on to as a resource for hiring Americans 50 and over. So far, nearly 2,000 companies have signed the pledge, expressing their desire to hire these experienced, seasoned people. Thes include major companies like Apple, Microsoft, PayPal and Walgreens. We also provide a wide range of services, resources and webinars for older workers to help with , job hunting, , using online job search resources and combating ageism. These resources are available online at . Thanks to a , we've launched another promising initiative. AARP Foundation in collaboration with aims to help 25,000 lower-income older adults — particularly women and people of color — improve their technology skills. Through the initiative, they will get training they need to find jobs, get hired and enhance their careers. AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS