As a senior seeking part-time employment, I have encountered many government agencies, universities and companies that only hire full-time.  Given my age and energy level, I have decided to seek positions I would be capable of doing.  I am excluded from applying for many jobs I would enjoy because they are full-time.  I have called the Human Resources office of an area state university to ask if they ever hire part-time.  The answer was negative. A representative of the State of IL Central Management Services Career Center said they rarely hire part-time, unless hired on contract for a specific number of months, but these contractual jobs are hard to obtain.  Not having part-time positions is discriminatory against seniors. If part-time positions were offered, the employment rate amongst seniors would increase. Many people with disabilities would also apply, as their disability only allows them to work part-time.  Therefore, systemic discrimination is also prevalent against the disabled. 

A Systemic Task Force Report to the Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) refers systemic as “structures that shape the work environment or employment prospects differently for different types or workers.” The EEOC pursues systemic enforcement affecting a large number of applicants.   

There are many benefits to hiring seniors as they are more likely to be loyal, conscientious and have a good work ethic compared to younger workers.  They bring with them their wisdom and experience. Columbia Public Health lists ten reasons to hire seniors in their report called, “The Advantages of Older Workers.” 

During the Covid pandemic, many seniors dropped out of the work force.  According to an AARP report of October 21, 2020, older workers were 17% more likely to have lost their jobs during the first 6 months of Covid-19.  I am certain that they would be more willing to return to employment if part-time positions were available in their fields. The official reports on unemployment are not entirely accurate because many seniors are either not looking due to the lack of opportunities or they have given up seeking employment. Individuals who decide to retire involuntarily would not be included in the statistics.

In a research study published July 9, 2021 by BMC Public Health, evidence reveals extending a senior’s work life has either a benefit or neutral effect on overall health and physical health, although there are mixed findings regarding the benefits of improved mental health.  Benefits were reported the most for senior males, those working part-time and those in jobs with higher rewards and better work quality.  

I suspect most agencies and companies that practice discrimination will continue to do so without a change in federal and state laws. The passage of law requiring a certain percentage of their job openings to be part-time would be an answer to this problem. The EEOC should also do an in-depth investigation of systemic employment discrimination against seniors seeking part-time employment. 

Currently, IRS.gov provides for a Work Opportunity Tax Credit to employers for hiring the disabled and other target groups. The disabled are qualified with a state Vocational Rehabilitation referral. There is not a target group specifically designed for seniors. A tax credit is needed for employers hiring seniors at or above 65 years of age which allows part-time work.    

To conclude, systemic changes are needed to allow more opportunities for seniors and the disabled to work part-time.  This cultural change would result in a higher number of workers in the labor market.

Barbara Ziogas is a senior with a free-lance writing business called Writing with Purpose.  She is seeking part time remote employment for a Christian organization.  Services offered include assistance with grant writing, foundation research and proposal writing, program plans, formulation of mission statements, goals and objectives with performance indicators, and public relations tools – news articles, PSA’s, social media content and advertising. Ms. Ziogas also writes articles of interest pertaining to social justice. Ms. Ziogas’ past experience includes working in State and City Government as a Program Planner, Project Director and Human Rights Specialist. Her Christian service at several churches was in Christian education and youth ministry. She earned her Master of Public Administration from University of IL – Springfield and General Ministry Masters at Lincoln Christian University.  Her BA was from Western IL University in Sociology.  Her e-mail is barbaraziogas@gmail.com.    

Published by barbaraziogasgmailcom

My quest is to be a free-lance writer. This has been my dream for many years, and now I believe it is the right time. God’s timing is perfect. I would like to write about social issues pertaining to poverty, domestic violence, the criminal justice system, religious education and other human interest topics. My past work experience included grant writing, writing issue papers, newsletters, creating flyers, brochures, news releases, and public service announcements. My business experience gave me skills in writing business plans, consignment contracts, newspaper articles, content for social media marketing and ads in a weekly paper. My purpose is to serve God and glorify Him through my work. View all posts by barbaraziogasgmailcom