Employers and Nonprofits


For Businesses:

 

It's No Longer ‘Business as Usual’. Not long ago, many employees age 50+ were envisioning a reasonably comfortable second half of life in retirement and employers were primarily providing financial planning as a benefit to smooth the employee’s decision-making path.

The sharp economic downturn has changed that scenario, and the needs of both employers and employees have drastically changed.

  • Boomers have to work longer than they wanted to compensate for their deflated retirement savings.
  • Many have the added pressure of caring for an aging parent while still having kids at home.
  • Retirement eligible boomers are putting off leaving the workforce, resulting in employers having fewer options for advancing younger workers. Employers need strategies for succession planning and knowledge transfer within their organization in order to capture the wealth of knowledge and experience of older workers as they begin to retire in large numbers.
  • Employees of all ages are increasingly requesting flexible work options.


Employers need new tools for dealing with a workforce that is rapidly changing. Older employees need new tools to help them navigate the transition process. Our programs are designed to help employers support their employees by providing information, resources, workshops and networking opportunities that will assist them in meaningful planning for the future.

Life by Design NW has a menu of customized programs, such as brown bag presentations, seminars, specialized training, and on-going classes. The classes are comprised of independent modules on a variety of related life planning and workforce issues. We work together with each employer to determine the format, topic(s) and approach that best fits the culture of the organization and the needs of both employers and their employees.

Our employer programs offer practical tools and opportunities for exploration and reflection, as participants identify their strengths and talents, better understand their dreams and desires for the future, analyze their financial needs, and develop a plan for creating their next steps. Workshops are led by experienced facilitators who guide participants through activities ranging from personal goal setting to financial planning to exploring options for volunteerism, re-careering and lifelong learning.

Life by Design NW has something to offer both employers and employees. Bring a customized program to your business or organization.

For Nonprofits:

 

"America’s burgeoning older population is poised to become the new trustees of civic life in this country. These individuals have the time to care; they have the skills and experience required; they have the personal need to contribute in new ways. This match, between the untapped resources of older Americans and the needs of American communities, constitutes the great opportunity presented by America’s aging."

-Marc Freedman, Prime Time

Life by Design NW is developing a number of resources to help you grow your capacity to effectively utilize the talents and experiences of people 50+ in your organization. Whether it is through paid or unpaid work, research confirms that adults nearing or at retirement have every intention of remaining vital, engaged, and contributing meaningfully throughout the second half of life. In fact, most have said they do not plan to retire at all, and want to continue helping their communities.

Older adults represent the largest untapped resource in America and they are ready for you.

Are you ready for them?

Over the next year, we will be looking for nonprofit organizations to join us in creating learning communities to explore and confirm ‘best practices’ for effectively engaging boomers in paid and unpaid positions within Portland nonprofit organizations.

Let us know if you would like to learn more about how boomers can contribute to your organization or would like to be a part of the learning community project.