Published 10-16-08
Submitted by MetLife Foundation
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In these economic times, boomers will need to work longer, and many say they want a job that provides both money and meaning. The question is, are nonprofit employers interested in hiring employees who have finished their midlife careers? What makes nonprofits more eager -- or less -- to give encore workers a try?
A national survey released today by MetLife Foundation and Civic Ventures finds that half of nonprofit employers actually see encore workers as highly appealing, with an additional 39 percent finding them moderately appealing. In addition, the survey finds that nonprofits with experience hiring late-career or recently retired workers are the most positive about hiring more.
Tapping Encore Talent: A MetLife Foundation/Civic Ventures Survey of Nonprofit Employers is based on a nationwide, telephone survey of 427 nonprofit employers in the fields of social services, health care/health services, education/youth development (not including schools), the environment, community agencies, crisis intervention agencies, and other causes. It is the second in a two-part survey (conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc.) examining the job prospects of millions of baby boomers.
Recent reports show that the nonprofit sector is growing faster than business or government -- and facing talent shortages. According to the Urban Institute's Nonprofit Almanac 2008, there are at least 1.4 million nonprofits in the U.S., accounting for 10 percent of U.S. employment. A 2006 study by The Bridgespan Group projected that the nonprofit sector will need 640,000 new senior managers by 2016.
This past June, the MetLife Foundation/Civic Ventures Encore Career Survey revealed that between 5.3 and 8.4 million Americans have already launched encore careers, jobs that combine personal meaning, social impact, and continued income. Of those workers ages 44-70 not already in encore careers, half are interested in them, specifically jobs in education, health care and the nonprofit sector.
"Are boomers all dressed up with no place to go?" asked Phyllis Segal, vice president and director of the research project at Civic Ventures. "Our first survey showed tremendous interest among boomers for work that matters. This survey asks nonprofit employers whether they see a match. The answer for most is a tentative yes, with an appreciation of benefits and some concerns about uncharted territory."
Key findings from the employer survey include:
For copies of the surveys, visit:
http://tinyurl.com/4rwghl
Visit www.Encore.org for stories of people currently in encore careers.
Survey Methodology
The MetLife Foundation/Civic Ventures Survey of Nonprofit Employers includes both qualitative and quantitative research conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc., from February to April 2008.
Hart Research interviewed 427 nonprofit employers by telephone from March 27 to April 18. The sample was based on a list provided by the well-respected national list management firm infoUSA.
About MetLife Foundation
MetLife Foundation (www.metlife.org) was established in 1976 by MetLife to carry on its longstanding tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. In the area of aging, the Foundation funds programs that promote healthy aging and address issues of care giving, intergenerational activities, mental fitness, and volunteerism.
About Civic Ventures
Civic Ventures (www.civicventures.org) is a national think tank on boomers and work.
MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 by MetLife to carry on its long-standing tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. MetLife and MetLife Foundation have invested more than $15 million for Alzheimer's research and public information programs, including $10 million through the Awards for Medical Research program. Working with the Alzheimer's Association, the Foundation has supported caregiving videos, resources for the Hispanic community and the Safe Return identification program, which addresses the problem of senior wandering. The Foundation has expanded its focus on aging issues, including helping people remain physically and mentally fit and remaining engaged in the community. It also supports programs addressing issues of caregiving, intergenerational activities and volunteer opportunities. Grants support health, education, and civic and cultural programs. More information about MetLife Foundation is available at www.metlife.org.
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