Community Blog: Arizona Mature Workforce Initiative

The Arizona Mature Workforce Initiative presents the following Blog
 by our “Guest Blogger”

Ms. Christine Bryson-Lazo, CSA, is a Certified Senior Advisor & a Mature Marketing specialist, president of the Northern Arizona Seniors in Action Coalition (dba the Verde Valley Seniors in Action Coalition), chair of the Seniors in Action Business Alliance, member of the Mature Workforce Committee of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging.  

Arizona Mature Workers – Learn About Job & Education Opportunities through Local Organizations by Christine Bryson-Lazo CSA

Jobing.com is a great resource to locate job opportunities locally, regionally and nationally. In addition to this resource, the current limited job market also beckons one to be creative and even more resourceful. Perhaps looking within your community for organizations addressing employment, work skills training, and even business opportunities may be just the answer you are searching for to provide a sustainable income.  For example, here is how the greater Sedona area created a business alliance to do just that.  

When the State of Arizona launched the Arizona Mature Workforce Initiative (http://www.azgovernor.gov/gaca/MWI.asp) in February 2005, a cluster of senior service providers, senior citizens and senior advocates were putting the finishing touches on a Commission on Aging Feasibility Study (http://www.sedonaaz.gov/egov/sidePage.aspx?dID=Aging%20Feasibility%20Study) for the City of Sedona.  A section of this study, “Economic Development Implication of Senior in Sedona,” addresses the situation how the senior populace was not being fully considered pertinent to job and business creation.  

The Verde Valley Seniors in Action Coalition decided to move forward partnering with the City and the Chamber of Commerce to encourage economic development in senior-related industries. As a result, the Seniors in Action Business Alliance (SABA) was formed in 2006 with meetings commencing in January 2007.  SABA’s mission is to unite organizations, businesses and individuals of all ages through an ongoing dialogue in order to understand and support a senior-friendly business environment, promote the creation of businesses and services serving seniors’ needs, and to be a catalyst for promoting the mature workforce in Sedona and the Verde Valley.  

First order of SABA ’s activities requested by the businesses and employers was to create a survey to determine what goods, services, education and activities seniors desire, what kind of work they seek, what workplace skills they have and need, and how they acquire information. This survey was circulated in 2007 and 2008 achieving a point of reference for businesses. However, due to recent economic events, personal finances have drastically changed for boomers and seniors, thus another survey is planned for distribution in 2010.  

Additional SABA activities educated employers and job seekers to the Arizona Mature Workforce Initiative and the programs being developed by the Mature Workforce Committee of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging.  The Arizona Mature Worker Website, hosted by Jobing.com, was developed to provide resources and information to both mature workers seeking employment, as well as employers wishing to attract or retain mature workers.  The Mature Worker Friendly Employer’s Certification program was also designed to recognize Arizona employers that have worked to develop a mature worker friendly environment within their organizations.  Knowledgeable speakers from the Governor’s Office on Aging, AARP, Yavapai and GateWay Community Colleges have attended SABA meetings, sharing programs and resources imparting employment databases, career training, mature workforce job fairs and other business opportunities.  

It isn’t difficult to start a similar program in your area enabling a concerted effort among community associates.  Begin by checking the list of employers located in your community who have earned the Mature Worker Friendly Employer’s Certification, by visiting www.azmatureworkers.com .  Talk to the financial officer in your municipality, the local Chamber of Commerce, your elected officials, and perhaps your regional Economic Development Council to become strategic partners in creating your local senior business alliance.

We invite you to visit the Arizona Mature Worker Website, hosted by Jobing.com, at www.azmatureworkers.com   Check it out today!

The Arizona Mature Workforce Initiative presents the following Blog
 by our "Guest Blogger"

Ms. Chris Long, Public Relations and Community Outreach Coordinator at the YWCA Maricopa County, and a member of the Mature Workforce Committee of the Governor's Advisory Council on Aging

It's Never Too Late to Learn Financial Literacy - The YWCA Can Help
by Ms. Chris Long

Although it is universally known that mature workers, as a generation, possess coveted skills such as loyalty, unwavering work ethic, maturity, excellent customer service and people skills, and bring a perspective to the workplace often lost in the blur of technology, many often have challenges re-entering the workforce.  

Confidence and self-esteem often are the attributes that will put someone over the top when competing for a position.  Women sometimes lack knowledge and verve when it comes to understanding finances and how money works.  YWCA has a solution to that problem with its Wi$eUp financial literacy program.  The curriculum provides women with the education and tools to make informed decisions regarding their finances. Wi$eUp is currently in its sixth session, and has educated over 100 women. The class is led by a financial professional and each week a volunteer from the Valley comes to class and provides students with valuable insight of financial practices. YWCA is planning to expand the number of class programs in an effort to ensure more women receive the financial education they need.

One Woman's Story:  "Wi$eUp Truly Transformed Me"

The day Sheila called the YWCA to say she wouldn't be attending the next Wi$eUp class as planned because she couldn't pay the tuition, her life changed. The Wi$eUp classes began and Sheila took her first step for financial change by reading the first chapter of the program, Money for Life, and doing the assignment. At the same time class began, Sheila was living in a homeless shelter with her 13 year-old son and had been unemployed for the previous four months.  At the conclusion of the Money for Life class, Sheila knew Wi$eUp was exactly what she needed to help her make positive financial changes in her life.  Prior to Wi$eUp, Sheila was not aware that the job market typically offered medical benefits, retirement benefits, and paid time off.  As she began to implement the changes that she was learning about, Sheila found the lessons that related to developing a budget and a financial plan were the most beneficial to her. Sheila began setting financial goals and deposited money into a savings account every month.

Today, Sheila and her son are living in transitional shelter and she continues to take advantage of all learning opportunities available to her.  She credits Wi$eUp with her higher self-esteem and ability to accomplish her financial goals. Sheila has begun the interviewing process with her newfound outlook and is optimistic about her future. "I know I carry myself differently and have confidence I have never had before.  I am in control of my finances and understand how credit works," says Sheila. "Wi$eUp made all the difference." 

If you are a mature worker, or a job seeker of any age, who would like to learn more about the Wi$eUp classes offered by the YWCA, please visit the YWCA Website - www.ywcaaz.org   

We also invite you to visit the Arizona Mature Worker Website. hosted by Jobing.com, at www.azmatureworkers.com   Check it out today!

The Arizona Mature Workforce Initiative presents the following Blog
by our "Guest Blogger"

Mr.George Thorne, Director of Government Partnerships with Jobing.com, and a member of the Mature Workforce Committee of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging

Employers and Mature Workers - Tapping an Untapped Resource
by Mr. George Thorne

Often one of the more difficult things to do is to write objectively about something that you’ve been heavily involved in over the past couple of years without it sounding self-serving…but I’ll try.

Jobing.com has been honored to be part of the Mature Workforce Committee of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging– and in particular, the statewide Arizona Mature Workforce Initiative and the design and implementation of the www.azmatureworkers.com website.

Arizona is a melting pot of mature workers each of who have extensive work experience – ranging from blue collar to professional / executive level occupations. Many have retired in Arizona but desire to continue to work or contribute to the workforce in some manner; some have recently been laid off or downsized and want to return to the workforce as soon as possible – in the same or in a transitional field. This is truly an untapped resource / workforce opportunity that the business community needs to tap into! And conversely, it is an asset that the mature worker job seeker has to stress in their search for employment.

This generation of mature workers have left, or are about to leave the workforce, and they have / will be taking with them years and years of expertise and unique work ethic and leadership that will be hard to replace / duplicate. It is imperative that businesses recognize this and reach out to those that want to continue working / contributing. Many are not concerned with the level of pay or benefits- they simply want to continue working. Many of these mature workers owned and/or managed companies in the same or similar industry as yours – and can bring a high level of leadership / vision for your company future.

The Arizona Mature Workforce Initiative provides a venue for both the job seeker and Arizona businesses to connect. Mature worker Job seekers can post their Resume (at no cost) on the Arizona Mature Worker Website and Employers can post their respective open positions on the site as well – at no cost. Additionally, those employers that are certified as a Mature Worker Friendly Certified Employer have the opportunity to share that information, in their job posting, with visitors to the website. I invite every mature worker who desires to return to the workforce – and every employer who wants to get involved and who has openings to visit the www.azmatureworkers.com website.

Finally, a few personal recommendations:

• Eliminate self-imposed barriers (I’m too old; they’ll think I’m over qualified; they’ll think they can’t afford me; etc, etc) – replace these excuses with I have a lot to bring to the table; this company can use my expertise / talents; I have the strengths and leadership to make a difference; etc, etc!!
• Network! Attend several networking meetings –find one that compliments your occupational interests - a few to consider include: Southwest Job Network, AZNETPA, Networking for Professionals. Attend Chamber of Commerce breakfasts / luncheons or social / mixers…it’s where the owners / decision makers go.

We invite you to visit the Arizona Mature Worker Website, hosted by Jobing.com, at www.azmatureworkers.com Check it out today!

The Arizona Mature Workforce Initiative presents the following Blog 
by our "Guest Blogger" 

Mrs. Bernadine Hoffman, Council Member of the Governor's Advisory Council on Aging, and resident of Scottsdale, Arizona

Mature Workers - Find Your Fountain of Youth!
by Mrs. Bernadine Hoffman

Ponce de Leon did not. But I did. I became a volunteer. 

I retired 9 ½ years ago after working 48 years as a Registered Nurse.  Knowing I was not a card or mahjong player, a ‘luncher’ or a ‘clubber,’ I knew I could not sit idly by without finding ways to help others by sharing my years of experience and knowledge.

After working 25 years in various settings in Chicago (hospitals, clinics, public health, nursing home) we moved to Arizona in 1980. Because of my nursing home background, I found the perfect fit in the Maricopa County Long Term Care Managed Care system as a case manager which eventually led to supervising. The twenty years of experience in that system actually set the stage for my volunteer career. 

‘Drinking from the fountain’ began after applying for membership on the Area Agency on Aging, Region One’s Advisory Council, ultimately serving 2 terms. Again a great fit since I had worked closely with Region One while employed at Maricopa County.  During that same time, a previous employee of mine became the Director of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging (GACA). Their mission and goals made me realize this was another volunteer opportunity that would fit like a glove. After 2 years of serving on the Social, Health, and Alzheimer’s Committee (SHAC), I was appointed to the Council by Governor Napolitano, becoming the SHAC committee Chair after a year, ultimately serving 2 years. Eight years later my ‘Council fountain’ is still flowing. 

While a member of the Area Agency committee, I learned of their Benefits Assistance program which helps individuals resolve Medicare/Medicaid and other social issues. After completing a 5 week training course, I volunteered for the ‘Hot Line’ located at the Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services, working one day a week plus participating in other volunteer opportunities in that same arena.  Another ‘fountain fit’. We have had a ‘romance’ for the past 7 years with no signs of divorce. 

Of the utmost importance in volunteering is the difference YOU make to individuals, programs or groups by sharing YOUR work and life experiences. Your level of expertise, the amount of time, whether you have 2 hours a week, 1 day a week or more, is not important but becoming a volunteer in your area of interest is.   

If employment is your goal in these rough times, volunteering may be a boon to your resume.  In volunteering, I guarantee you will find your fountain! 

By the way, my current age since ‘finding the fountain’ is 74, going on 30.

We invite you to visit the Arizona Mature Worker Website, hosted by Jobing.com, at www.azmatureworkers.com   Visit it out today!

As part of the Mature Workforce Initiative in Arizona, many employers have pledged to create and foster a mature worker friendly environment, as well as work to provide flexibility with work scheduling policies and procedures.  And many of those same employers have been awarded the Mature Worker Friendly Employer Certification!  If you would like to see a listing of those employers, then check out the AZ Mature Worker Website, www.azmatureworkers.com.  Developed by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging, in partnership with Jobing.com, and at no expense to Arizona taxpayers, this website has been designed to provide information to both employers and mature workers.  

Although not all of the Certified Employers whose names appear on the Mature Worker Website may have job openings at this time, they are listed on the website as one way of recognizing their commitment to Arizona’s mature workers.  The employers have attended training sessions with a focus on creating and maintaining an environment that demonstrates and values the contributions of the mature worker.  They have committed their organizations to recognizing the needs and preferences of mature workers in the workforce.

This certification was offered to Arizona employers in 2008 for the first time, and the certification process was recently completed for the employers that applied in the open application time period of 2009.  We encourage you to check out the AZ Mature Workers Website from time to time, and view the names of those 2009 employers as they are posted.

The Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging and the AZ Department of Commerce congratulate the new group of Arizona Mature Worker Friendly Certified Employers!

Ms. Joyce Finkelstein, Work / Life Coach and Mediator, and resident of Green Valley, Arizona

Mature Workers -- Counselor or Coach?  You Make the Choice!by Ms. Joyce Finkelstein

Many of us, as we go through transitions, seek out additional information or support.  Career Counselors or Job Coaches may be able to assist you.  I am hoping to provide you with some information about the difference between a Career Counselor and Coach.

First the disclaimer - have been a Career Counselor for over 20 years.   I earned a Masters Degree in Counseling with a concentration in Human Resource Development and have worked in the private sector, for non-profits and educational institutions, providing both Career Counseling and Human Resource services.   I have counseled individuals representing a multitude of demographics and ages.  For the past several years, I have also offered Work/Life Coaching, as well as resume writing and reviews and assistance in developing networking and interviewing skills.  I truly believe that I have helped others make significant differences in their lives.
 
Great - so what does that have to do with a Mature Worker or job seeker?

In general, a Career Counselor has an advanced degree in such fields as Counseling or Psychology. Many take a very “data-driven” approach, initially doing a psycho-educational interview to learn, among other things, educational levels, family dynamic, personal background and career aspirations.  They may then administer a series of personality and interest inventories and academic “achievement” scales.  (I also had a consulting psychologist administer an IQ test.)  They take the information from these scales, in consultation with the client, to determine those types of occupations most in line with the client’s achievement levels, personality and interests.  They then work with the client to fashion a path to achieve the identified goals.  Depending on a number of factors, this process may take weeks or months.

Job Coaches tend to offer different types of services.  Educationally, many have advanced degrees, but it is also likely that they have experience in human resources, business or communications.  They can assist clients in identifying the attributes that they “bring to the table”, what I call your “Skills Portfolio,” and how those skills can be used in new ways or in new industries or organizations.  Many are very good at helping clients to revamp their resume, updating clients’ networking skills and making them more appealing to perspective employers.  A good coach serves as a sounding board and will provide that extra support that even motivated individuals need to achieve their goals. 

Which is right for you?  Are you looking for a new direction or to polish what you already have? Are you self-motivated or do you need a push from time to time?  Consider your timeline, your goals and your needs.  Ultimately, the decision is up to you.  Keep in mind though what I would tell clients when they say that they are too old or that it would take too long to return to school or to do some retraining - How old will you be in five years if you don’t do it?

Good Luck!

We invite you to visit the Arizona Mature Worker Website, hosted by Jobing.com, at www.azmatureworkers.com  Check it out today!

Ms. Joyce Finkelstein, Work/Life Coach and Mediator, and resident of Green Valley, Arizona

Mature Workers---Has Your Cheese Moved?
by Ms. Joyce Finkelstein

I recently re-read, Who Moved My Cheese?. This is a wonderful book by Spencer Johnson, M.D. (who co-authored with Ken Blanchard, Ph.D. The One Minute Manager). It tells the story of two mice, Sniff and Scurry, and two littlepeople, Hem and Haw, who live in a maze and how each reacts, after working to find a stash of cheese, when their Cheese is moved.

The mice respond, almost instinctually. Sniff sniffs out new possibilities while Scurry explores different parts of the maze, trying one area then another. Before too long, the mice find an even better, even bigger stash of cheese. Meanwhile, the littlepeople, using their intellect, discuss the unfairness that their cheese has been moved and that they are entitled to cheese. Eventually, Haw conquers his fear of the unknown and ventures out into the maze. He does not find the cheese immediately; there are “dead-ends” in the maze. Haw leaves messages on the walls of the maze for Hem, the “Handwriting on the Wall.” Haw perseveres and finds even more and better cheese than he had before.

This is a wonderful parable for how we react to change. The Cheese is a metaphor for our goals is life, whether that is a fulfilling job, a good relationship or whatever is meaningful to you. The Maze is the environment where you look to fulfill your goals. This could be your place of work, your family or your community.

How do we as Mature Workers react to the changes in our environments? Do we bemoan the unfairness of the situation and ignore the small changes in our lives, until the changes are so big that they cannot be ignored? Do we analyze the situation, only to make changes when absolutely necessary? Or do we “keep an eye out” for the small changes in our environments? Do we try new things? Are we open to new possibilities and challenges? Indeed, do we embrace them?

Who Moved My Cheese? is a very quick read; it took me only an hour to read the entire book. It has a different meaning and different applications for each who reads it. Which of the characters are you? And don’t miss the Handwriting on the Wall!

We invite you to visit the Arizona Mature Worker Website, hosted by Jobing.com, at www.azmatureworkers.com Check it out today!

Employers with this certification are recognized by the Governor, have FREE use of the Mature Worker Friendly Certified Employer logo, get special rates at job fairs, FREE job postings on the AZ Mature Worker Website, www.azmatureworkers.com, and FREE advertising via their listing on that same website.  For more information about the certification and the process, visit the AZ Mature Worker Website.  The application time period for Employers began in late May, and will close on July 31st.

The certification process for organizations includes the submission of a short application form, the signing of the Employer Pledge, attending a three-hour training session, and payment of $35.00 (which covers the cost of employer materials). NOTE:  There are a limited number of slots for the required employer training.  Applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis. 

This certification was offered to Arizona employers in 2008 for the first time.  View the names of many of the 46 employers who earned this special certification in 2008 by visiting the AZ Mature Worker Website, powered by Jobing.com.  Developed by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging, in partnership with Jobing.com, and at no expense to Arizona taxpayers, this website has been designed to provide information to both employers recruiting mature workers and mature job seekers looking for employment opportunities.

If you are an employer that wishes to be recognized as an organization that values the skills and traits that so many mature workers bring to the workplace, and wishes to receive the unique benefits that come from this special recognition, then check out the Mature Worker Friendly Employer Certification, and apply today!

Visit the AZ Mature Worker Website, www.azmatureworkers.com, powered by Jobing.com, today!

Ms. Joyce Finkelstein, Work/Life Coach and Mediator, and resident of Green Valley, Arizona

Mature Workers - "Soft Skills" are Not Hard to Find
by Ms. Joyce Finkelstein

I sit on an advisory committee for the Career and Technical Education program at our local high school.  The Committee, made up of local and regional employers, meets regularly to provide input to the teachers on a number of subjects.  At the most recent meeting, the discussion centered on what types of skills we are looking for in potential employees.  The consensus of the group was that, while “technical” and basic computer skills are important, it is the “soft skills” that these employers felt were vital to the success of a new employee.

So what are “soft skills” you may ask?  They are the types of skills in which Mature Workers excel.  Oral and written communication skills were specifically identified as ones for which employers look. The ability to communicate accurately and directly with customers and co-workers is prized.  Whether in a management or co-worker role, those with strong communication skills, can lead, manage and influence others. They are able to work with others and to accomplish tasks.  Those with good communication skills are good team members and skilled team leaders.

Also identified as important to success was the ability to utilize our analytical skills to solve problems creatively.  Mature workers particularly excel in this area.  Those with excellent analytical skills are able to reason, to evaluate information, to make decisions and to solve complex problems in a wide range of situations.  These skills allow us to solve problems independently and efficiently.

Interpersonal skills, the ability to talk with and to get along with others, were also singled out as important to the success of an employee.  In the diverse workplace that exists today, employers are looking for the new employee that will “fit” into the existing culture. In fact, all things being equal, it is often this “fit” that has the greatest influence on the hiring decision.

So make sure that you have the basic skills that the employer needs, but make sure also that you understand that importance of “soft skills” to your success!

We invite you to visit the Arizona Mature Worker Website, hosted by Jobing.com, at www.azmatureworkers.com   Check it out today!

Barry K. Spiker, PhD, Chair of the Mature Workforce Committee of the Governor's Advisory Council on Aging, and resident of Fountain Hills, Arizona

The Inherent Value of the Mature Worker, by Dr. Barry K. Spiker

Today there is a demographic “shift” taking place in organizations all over the world—the workforce is getting older, and we are all living longer and in better health. That is the good news. The bad news is that organizations again, all over the world, are in danger of losing their most valuable assets—their people who represent the over 50 workforce, their mature workers. A lifetime of “wisdom” and knowledge, some call it the “voice of the organization”, could possibly be “retired” when the people who have that information walk out the door. Conversely, there are millions of women and minorities that also want to enter through the doors of an organization so that they can do “well” and do “good”, in short, to give something back after a lifetime of work. However, as is often the case, some organizations are doing little to mitigate the possible loss of human capital or leverage the gain of returning human capital—the marketplace is terribly inefficient on both the supply side as well as the demand side.

One of the purposes of a blog is to share opinions and information regarding issues that are relevant to a particular cohort of individuals—in this case, to the mature worker or recently retired worker.

As I blog from time to time, I will be sharing with you results of nearly ten years of research and observation of the value of the mature worker across several organizational settings.  I hope to share with you my thoughts, with the intention of helping extinguish one of the most glaring and forgotten “isms” around the world—ageism.

We invite you to visit the Arizona Mature Worker Website, hosted by Jobing.com, at www.azmatureworkers.com      Check it out today!

Mr. Peter Polk, resident of Fountain Hills, AZ and Member of the Mature Workforce Committee of the Governor's Advisory Council on Aging.

A Major Key to Success = Having a Positive Attitude by Mr. Peter Polk

Laughter is contagious; so is cynicism.  Which would you prefer to give to others?
The answer is simple: people like to be around people who bring them joy.
 
In these unsettling times, a person can't always control the events happening to them.  The one thing a person *can control* is their attitude.
Having a positive attitude attracts people.  Negative attitudes turn people away.
A positive attitude uses star qualities of laughter, courage, and optimism.
Leave room for laughter every day.  The safest target for humor should always be yourself.
Courage supports your determination to go forward, and not give up when trauma, like a pink slip, comes your way.
Optimists understand the importance of investing time in *refocusing* their career direction, and retooling their skills to match emerging opportunities.
 
The list below contains elements that display a positive attitude:
1.   Make a commitment to *win* rather than to avoid losing.
2.   Treat your job or job search as a celebration of life.
3.   Be enthusiastic and energetic.
4.   Work on your sense of humor.  Don't take yourself too seriously.
5.   Treat every individual as the valued person they are.
6.   Use positive non-verbal behaviors: greet, smile, good eye contact, pleasant voice.
7.   Display interest with voice and behavior.
8.   Use people's names during conversation.
9.   Listen with empathy.  Avoid interrupting.
10. Express thanks and appreciation often.  Use please and thank you.
 
A positive attitude promotes that like-ability factor required to get hired or promoted.

We invite you to visit the Arizona Mature Worker Website, hosted by Jobing.com, at www.azmatureworkers.com       Check it out today!

As part of the Initiative, a new website has been launched that may be of interest to you and your organization.  This website has been designed to provide information to both employers seeking mature workers and resources for their organizations, as well as job seekers looking for employment opportunities and resources specific to their interests. Look for our continuing blogs for more information about resources that are available to help you with your employment needs.  We invite you to visit the Arizona Mature Worker Website at www.azmatureworkers.com.