Older Worker
Older workers are a growing pool of untapped resources for solving your labor shortage problems. Learn more about hiring older workers, how to attract and retain older workers, and assess your business older worker climate.
Wisconsin Senior Employment Program
The Wisconsin Senior Employment (WISE) program - or Senior Community Service Employment Program - provides eligible older adults with part-time, community-based work opportunities designed to enhance employability. Through structured training and practical experience, participants develop new skills or build upon existing strengths to support a successful transition to unsubsidized employment.
WISE is for Wisconsin residents 55 years old or older who are unemployed and have a limited income. Benefits include:
- Earning income
- Developing employment skills
- Receiving yearly physical exams
- Accessing full-time or part-time employment opportunities
- Engaging in meaningful activities outside the home
- Fostering independence, dignity, and self-worth
Learn more about the WISE Program and find out how to apply by emailing detwise@dwd.wisconsin.gov For more information about other jobs opportunities by contacting the Job Center of Wisconsin.
Labor Law Clinics
Labor Law Clinics are educational seminars, usually one or two days in length, which are open to the public and feature DWD staff explaining many of the laws and rules the agency administers. For dates and locations of upcoming clinics.
See: Labor Law Training
Age Discrimination Laws
State and federal law protects most workers age 40 and older from workplace discrimination. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law applies to virtually all private and public employers, regardless of the number of employees. Federal age protections are contained in the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, known as the ADEA. The ADEA applies only to employers with 20 or more workers.
See: Age Discrimination in the Workplace
See also: Age Discrimination Laws (federal)
Older Worker Toolkit
- Myths About Older Workers
Provides a quick look at the real value of older workers for your business. - How to Attract and Retain Older Workers
A how-to list of strategies that work. - Older Worker Friendly Employer Assessment Checklist
Take this simple assessment to find out if you offer an environment that is attractive to older workers.
Organizations with an Older Worker focus
Wisconsin Job Centers
Wisconsin Job Centers offer information and services to employers and job seekers. To find the nearest location, call toll free 888-258-9956 or visit Wisconsin Job Centers Directory
Society of Human Resource Professionals (SHRM)
The web sites from this national organization feature information on retention, older workers, telecommuting, benefits for part-time or non-traditional employees, and age discrimination.
In Wisconsin, see: wishrm.org
The national web site is shrm.org.
AARP
(866) 448-3611AARP offers several publications including: "Easing the Transition: Phased and Partial Retirement Programs"; "How to Recruit Older Workers"; "How to Train Older Workers"; and, "How to Manage Older Workers".
The web site is aarp.org
Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups - (CWAG)
(608) 224-0606The CWAG mission is to advocate for the special needs of older persons, to assure that older persons are recognized as people of dignity and worth, and to affirm that older persons are partners in building the Wisconsin of tomorrow for people of all ages. Call the number above for the location of the nearest Area Agency on Aging.
The web site is www.cwag.org
Upper Midwest Pension Rights Project
The Upper Midwest Pension Rights Project offers free legal assistance in the form of pension counseling, pension claims assistance, and advocacy for pension participants. UMPRP attorneys can assist retirees and their families with various pension benefits related problems such as locating a pension plan, applying for benefits, correcting benefit miscalculations, and appealing benefit denials.
The web site is trellisconnects.org/programs/retirement-rights
Additional Resources
