Top Stories

Number of job seekers far exceeds available jobs
The number of Americans in search of jobs now outnumber the available positions by six to one, according to U.S. Department of Labor statistics. Observers also note that many companies are reluctant to start hiring, even though the economy has shown some signs of improvement. "There's too much uncertainty out there," MIT labor economist Thomas A. Kochan said. "There's not going to be an upsurge in job openings for quite a while, not until employers feel confident the economy is really growing." NYTimes.com (9/26)

Many low-income seniors must continue to work, survey says
Many low-income senior citizens must continue to work past the traditional retirement age to support themselves, according to a survey by nonprofit Experience Works. The survey found that 92% of unemployed seniors of limited financial means who are 55 or older plan to work during the next five years. Nearly half of the seniors participating in the survey thought they would be in retirement by this point, the survey found. U.S. News & World Report (9/22)

Industry & Workplace Trends

Column: 15 companies that make workers a priority
Some small businesses have renewed their commitment to their employees during the economic downturn, writes Kelly K. Spors in The Wall Street Journal. This article lists 15 companies that have taken steps to maintain the best possible work environments during the downturn. Aerospace and defense software firm Analytical Graphics, for example, provides free, on-site meals for employees during workdays. The Wall Street Journal (9/28)

Long-term unemployment makes job searches difficult, experts say
Finding a good job during the economic downturn becomes more difficult the longer a person is out of the workforce, experts say. They note that unemployed people can become discouraged as their job search continues over many months. As a result, some apply for Social Security benefits earlier than they planned, or apply for other government programs. Experts also say that when laid-off workers do find work, their wages tend to be lower than those at their previous job. The Wall Street Journal (9/28)

More companies automatically enroll workers in 401(k)s
Nearly half of U.S. employers participating in a recent survey are automatically enrolling workers in 401(k) plans. The survey by Watson Wyatt Worldwide found that of the companies that do not currently have automatic enrollment, one-third of them are considering adding it. Many of the companies that currently automatically enroll employees use target-date or lifecycle funds as a default investment option, according to the survey. Pensions & Investments (9/23)

Column: Official advocates for teleworking
Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry said he hopes the federal government continues to adopt teleworking, or working from home, writes Ed O'Keefe in The Washington Post. Berry noted that video and telephone conferencing are ways to keep employees engaged in the office as they work from home. "The 1950s model of chaining people to their desks for eight hours is a 19th-century model, and I want to get rid of it," Berry said at a recent town hall meeting. "But our semantics could kill us, because if Congress and the public think that teleworking is a day off, then we're dead." The Washington Post (9/25)

Survey: Staffing will stay steady at many companies
A recent survey found that most employers in the U.S. will keep staffing levels relatively steady in the fourth quarter. While 69% of the employers participating in the Manpower Inc. Employment Outlook Survey predicted no changes in hiring plans for October through December, 12% expect an increase in staffing and 14% predict a decrease in staffing. Meanwhile, experts say the job market will remain challenging for workers and employers over the next few months. Employee Benefit News (9/22)

AARP News

AARP honors international employers for workplace innovation
Now in its second year, the AARP International Innovative Employer Award recognizes non-U.S.-based employers for progressive practices addressing age-50+ workers. Ten organizations received the award this year. This program parallels the AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 program, which has recognized U.S.-based companies since 2001.

International Innovative Employer Award winners

2009 AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50, including the top 15 hospitals and health care organizations.

Law and Regulation

Older workers should research state unemployment laws
Unemployed older workers who are considering filing for Social Security or pension benefits should first research unemployment policies in their state. Waiting to apply for Social Security, for example, instead of immediately applying upon being laid off could allow an unemployed person to avoid a cut to his or her unemployment benefit, according to this article. Experts note that states generally are required to reduce unemployment benefits for individuals who receive benefits from some pension plans. The Wall Street Journal (9/27)

SmartQuote

Email: aarp@smartbrief.com
Mailing Address: SmartBrief, Inc.®, 555 11th ST NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20004
Legal and Privacy information at http://www.smartbrief.com/legal.jsp
Unsubscribe