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Friday, July 31, 2015

Research Project Issues State-by-State Scorecards on Economic Readiness for Retirement

The National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) has published an analysis which indicates that Americans in nearly every state will fall far short in meeting their economic needs in retirement. According to "The State Financial Security Scorecards" research project—which gauges the retirement readiness of future retirees in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia in three key areas: anticipated retirement income; major retirement costs like housing and healthcare; and labor market conditions for older workers—even the highest-ranking states due to their relatively strong labor markets and lower retiree costs, hare weak in terms of potential retirement income for retirees.

According to Diane Oakley, NIRS executive director:
The retirement savings shortfall has become increasingly important at the state level because policymakers know it can have a deep impact on strained state budgets. The largest source of retirement income for most Americans is Social Security, but this critical federal program typically provides only a part of the income working families need to be self-sufficient. State programs must fill the gap and help Americans meet their most basic needs for food, shelter and medicine. The good news is that some states like California and Illinois already have enacted legislation to reduce future retiree poverty by encouraging workers to save today.
In addition to publishing the 51 scorecards, NIRS held a webinar to review the project's findings, hearing from Oakley, as well as Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Task Force on Retirement Security for All Marylanders chair and former Maryland lieutenant governor, and Hank Kim, National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems executive director.

Source: National Institute on Retirement Security Press Release (July 30, 2015)

Additional sources: ThinkAdvisor "12 Weakest States for Retirement Security: NIRS" (August 11, 2015)

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Hong Kong: Flexibility Seen as Key to Retention of Older Workers

According to a survey conducted by Regus, 86% of respondents in Hong Kong see flexible working a critical factor in keeping older, experienced workers in the economy, as compared to 84% worldwide. Regus reports that, according to population projections by the Hong Kong SAR Government Census and Statistics Department, one in five Hong Kong people will be aged 65 or above by 2023. In addition, it notes that, in 2014, the Hong Kong SAR government extended the retirement age of newly hired civil servants from 60 to 65 to tackle the problem of an aging population and a shrinking workforce.

The key findings of the research show that:
  • 81% of respondents globally, 88% in Hong Kong, 94% in Taiwan and 92% in Mainland China think that governments should increase employees’ awareness of their right to work flexibly;
  • 86% of respondents globally, 87% in Hong Kong, 91% in Taiwan and 94% in Mainland China believe that governments should be promoting flexible working by offering firms tax incentives that encourage it;
  • 88% of respondents globally, 92% in Hong Kong and Taiwan as well as 94% in Mainland China confirm that flexible working is key to keeping those who care for a relative in employment so that they can better juggle the demands of their family and their professional life.
Source: Regus Press Release (June 27, 2015)

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Australia: Survey of Older Workers Finds Workers Optimistic about Staying in the Workforce

According to a report issued by the Financial Services Council and Commonwealth Bank, 71% of older workers across Australia are optimistic about staying in the workforce, and 72% are willing to stay in the workforce for longer. The 2015 Older Workers Report also found that for 61% of the older workers, financial security is the major reason to keep working, followed by reasons such as personal enjoyment, a sense of accomplishment, and freedom and independence. In addition, the report found:
  • Older workers would like to work for an average of six years longer
  • One in three 60-64 year olds expect to work for another 5 years but only 10% for another ten
    years
  • 41% of respondents expect to be paid exactly the same as any equivalent employee
  • 69% of older workers have not applied for a job since turning 50
  • Job satisfaction remains a key driver for 52% of those who have not applied for a new job
  • 17% of older workers have been made redundant since turning 50
  • Females are more likely than males to not apply for a job once made redundant
  • 61% of older workers have been offered training/ up skilling services at the workplace and
    taken them up
  • 55% have a preference for working part time for their remaining working life
  • 65% are satisfied they have sufficient funds to put aside for retirement
Source: Financial Services Council Press Release (July 27, 2015)

Organizaions Establish New Resource for Older Adults To Prepare for, Find, and Apply for Jobs

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) and RetirementJobs.com have announced the join creation of EconomicCheckUp.org to "provide a unique, single resource for older adults to prepare for, find, and apply for jobs." Specifically, the new website will provide an employment path that includes:
  1. Skills Assessment—Often older workers don’t fully understand their skill assets. The Quick Job Match online tool helps them identify their strengths and identify transferable skills.
  2. Online Training—To land the right job, workers need the right skills. The site’s Career Development System provides more than 30 online courses. Classes are free and can be an important addition to a resume.
  3. Help Finding a Job—It takes a great resume and good interview skills to make the right impression. The site offers helpful tips, and RetirementJobs.com can help visitors find just the right mature worker friendly employer to impress.
Source: National Council on Aging Press Release (July 28, 2015)