Nearly all organizations lack formal or informal recruitment programs targeting workers aged 65 and older, despite high job satisfaction and strong performance from this demographic, according to new research from SHRM.
The study, released Oct. 29, found 93 per cent of HR professionals reported their organizations have no recruitment programs for older workers. This gap exists even as the population aged 65 and older represents the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. workforce, with over 11.8 million people in this age group currently employed.
SHRM surveyed 1,912 HR professionals, 1,700 adults aged 55 and older, and 1,227 workers aged 18 to 54 between May and August 2025.
Older workers report high engagement
Among older workers surveyed, 91 percent reported job satisfaction and 87 percent felt engaged at work.
HR professionals who work with older employees largely reported positive experiences. Seventy-four percent said their experiences were positive, and 88 percent said older workers perform better than or as well as other employees.
The research also challenged common stereotypes about older workers’ adaptability. Eighty-one percent of older workers demonstrated willingness to learn, 79 percent showed positive approaches to challenges, and 60 percent displayed enthusiasm for growth, including embracing technologies like artificial intelligence.
Disconnect between perception and support
The study revealed gaps between what younger workers believe older workers need and what HR departments provide.
Over 55 percent of workers aged 18 to 54 said flexible working hours are essential to support older workers, but only 32 percent of HR professionals implement this strategy. While 44 percent of younger workers wanted wellness programs addressing age-related health needs, only 16 percent of organizations offer such benefits.
“Our latest research makes it clear: older workers are driving results. Their experience, adaptability, and eagerness to learn, especially with new technologies such as AI, are exactly what today’s organizations need,” said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM president and CEO. “If we ignore this talent pool, we’re leaving critical skills and institutional knowledge on the table at a time when these very skills are in such high demand.”
Knowledge retention risks identified
The research highlighted knowledge retention risks facing organizations. While 83 percent of HR professionals document company policies, only 32 percent document cultural norms and 43 percent document client relations.
HR professionals identified these undocumented areas as extremely difficult to rebuild if experienced workers retire suddenly, according to SHRM.
The number of employed workers aged 65 and older has more than doubled over the past 30 years. The study, titled “Age of Opportunity: Redefining Talent with the 65+ Workforce,” was conducted as part of the SHRM Foundation’s Widening Pathways to Work initiative.
SHRM is a professional association for human resources professionals with nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries. The organization conducts workplace research, provides HR education and certification, and advocates on workplace policy issues.
