8 Things Mature Workers Should Look for in Companies (2)

5. Telecommuting options can be especially attractive to older workers who have difficulty driving or have impairments that limit their mobility.

6. Some companies have begun to introduce snowbird programs that allow older workers to move between two locations seasonally or reduce hours or stop working completely during certain months of the year. This policy may be appealing to mature workers who want to spend the winter months in a warmer climate. It can also benefit company if business is seasonal.

7. Firms that hire former employees as independent contractors may be attractive to older workers in two ways. First, independent contractors may have more control over their schedules, may be able to work less than 40 hours per week, and may be able to telecommute. Second, retired independent contractors are usually more free than employees to access pension benefits (if they have them).

8. Phased retirement plans, such as age-neutral pensions or Deferred Retirement Option Plans (DROPs) make it easier for employees to continue working beyond normal retirement age. Some mature workers would prefer to continue working part-time, but can’t afford to without access to some or all of their retirement benefits. Yet federal law restricts employers’ ability to pay benefits from defined benefits packages. As a result, some companies use formal or informal phased retirement options that get around these restrictions and allow older employees to draw on pension or retirement benefits while continuing to work.

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