In the coming decades, the number of older workers in America's work force will leap to 34 million, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Despite the profusion of older adults in the work force, it is expected that in the next few years 40 percent of people with college degrees will retire, resulting in a serious challenge for employers - especially small businesses. As tens of millions of baby boomers reach retirement age in the next four years, the gap between available jobs and qualified workers will increase to 35 million.

These numbers are compelling employers to focus efforts on attracting and retaining valuable older workers who enhance today's work force with their skills and decades of experience.

Through its Senior Community Services Employment Program, Easter Seals provides training and skills development opportunities for older adults with limited income and assists them in rejoining the work force.

The organization recommends a variety of approaches that have been shown to augment employers' success in their quest to attract and retain older workers:

* When developing recruitment messages, focus on the job and skills required rather than number of years of experience.

* Interview and hire based on qualifications and skill set, not age.

* Set clear expectations of workers and maintain ongoing performance appraisals, including personal and professional development plans.

* Offer opportunities for workers to learn new skills for professional advancement through increased responsibility and special projects.

* Cultivate a supportive workplace that fosters a healthy work-life balance. Provide health and safety programs and flexible work hours.

* Promote opportunities for older workers to mentor their younger colleagues. This will foster the transfer of skills to the younger work force as more workers retire.

For more tips and information on older worker programs offered by Easter Seals, visit www.easterseals.com/SCSEP.

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