Page 15 - BusinessWest July 6, 2020

Back on the Clock
COVID-19 Era Presents Unique Challenge for Older Workers
DBy Mark Morris
avid Cruise knows how to help people
navigate tough economic times, but
admits COVID-19 is a different kind of event.
“Quite frankly, we’re doing this live,” he told BusinessWest. “We have no playbook.”
55 and older, accounted for 20% of those new claims.
Job loss due to COVID-19 presents particu- lar challenges for the 55-plus crowd. On top of the concern about finding a new job as an older worker, many worry that, because of their age,
ready to start hiring again.
As a first step, he recommends workers talk to
the employer they recently separated from to see what kind of opportunities might be there, even in a different role. If it’s not possible to return
to that employer, openings in other industries might be available.
“There are certain industries where I think older workers will find themselves in significant demand, if not full-time, certainly part-time,” he said.
He also thinks many people will seek out training in new fields, including ones that allow working from home. Those who have health con- cerns about returning to the workplace may find their next opportunity in a remote job. Cruise said this would be good fit for older people with a good work ethic, time-management skills, and self-discipline.
“Going forward, the whole notion of doing work away from the workplace could benefit many older workers, especially in industries where that type of work is encouraged and fos- tered,” he said. “It could extend a person’s career and help maintain their financial, as well as their personal, health.”
With so many Baby Boomers retiring, experi- enced workers are wanted and needed, accord- ing to Tricia Canavan, president and CEO of
“Going forward, the whole notion of doing work away from the workplace could benefit many older workers, especially in industries where that type of work is encouraged and fostered. It could extend a person’s career and help maintain their financial, as well as their personal, health.”
they face a higher risk of serious illness if they catch coronavirus. Cruise expects many older
workers will have an opportunity to go back to their prior jobs, but it may take time for that to happen. Because COVID-19 is still actively infecting people, he noted, career conversations with older workers must take into account a “fear fac- tor” many have about returning to work.
“Our staff are trained to help people develop their career plans, and while they can be support-
Since February, more than 1 million work- ers in Massachusetts have lost jobs as a result
of COVID-19, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Cruise, president of MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board, said nearly 35,000 workers filed new unemployment claims between February and May in Hampden County alone. One group in particular, workers age
ive, they’re not psychologists,” he said, adding that it can be a tough decision whether or not to return to work — one that’s ultimately up to each individual.
Cruise expects there will be more job search activity in July by older workers, but their pros- pects will depend largely on how successful the phased reopening has been and if employers are
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