GWDC Older Worker Workgroup

Draft Policy Recommendations Chuck Johnson, Chair

GWDC Quarterly MeetingMay 13, 2010

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Workgroup OverviewCharge– To retain, encourage and support older workers to

maximize the potential of Minnesota’s workforce

Point of Clarification– What do we mean by “older worker?”

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Policy Areas and Guiding Themes

Guiding Theme• To develop public policy support for extending

the work-life of Minnesota’s aging labor-force

Policy Areas• Continuous access to training for individuals• Helping employers recognize the critical role and

ROI of retaining, support and encouraging aging workers

• State’s role to increase public awareness

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Policy Area—Training for Individuals1. Establish programs to help pay for additional

training and continuing education

2. Expand access statewide to resources, tools and support mechanisms for business development tailored for aging entrepreneurs

3. Support efforts towards developing standards that give academic degree credit for work-based competencies, completed credentials or completed continuing education to obtain post-secondary credentials

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Policy Area—Helping Employers4. Promote and encourage employers to

establish flexible HR policies that include variable work options and recognize efforts to establish caregiver support programs

5. Promote and encourage employers to offer skill-building opportunities to incumbent workers to prevent/divert dislocation and increase retention

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Policy Area—State Role6. Assess and improve the Workforce system

capacity to help aging workers re-enter or re-career

7. Establish a Business Mature Worker Taskforce

8. Create/Sustain public recruitment campaign of aging workers

9. Promote and establish encore employment models

10. Study pension and retirement policies

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Older Workers Group—Concluding Remarks

Wrap-up• To develop public policy support for extending

the work-life of Minnesota’s aging labor-force• Critical importance of raising the awareness

about the changing demographics—the aging of the labor force

Next meeting—June 11• Will be revisiting recommendations• Welcome feedback-suggestions-comments

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Older Worker Staff Contact Information

Mary Olsen BakerPlanner, Transform 2010

Minnesota Department of Human Services651-431-2568

Mary.olsen.baker@state.mn.ushttp://www.dhs.state.mn.us/2010

Minnesota Governor’s Workforce Development Council651-259-7568

http://www.gwdc.org