Next Cycle Works

http://wyomingworkforce.org/nextcycleworks/


Next Cycle Works is intended to help both businesses and 50+ workers meet their needs. Wyoming is experiencing a significant shortage of skilled workers. Keeping and attracting experienced workers is crucial to sustaining the state's economy. Next Cycle Works aims to provide real-life examples of how managers have successfully met their needs while providing a flexible workplace for workers age 50+. Next Cycle Works includes recommendations for how best to utilize the skills and experience of adults age 50+ to address community needs; includes outreach and marketing to business, nonprofits, educational institutions and State agencies; provides recommendations for civic engagement of adults age 50+; and encourages the development of Encore service programs in the State. ServeWyoming is continuing our work with this plan by solidifying the connection between workforce and volunteering. Volunteers provide unique human capital resources that can address important societal, economic and workforce issues in our communities. Older Americans want to stay busy and productive. It is important to expand flexible engagement opportunities for older adults so they have more choices for work both paid and up-paid, formal and informal volunteering, or family care giving. In addition to meeting community needs, volunteering offers important benefits for older adults. Older Americans who receive or deliver service are more connected with the community, remain more active, and have a more optimistic outlook. They also will generally respond more favorably to flexible opportunities, such as those that allow for full-time, part-time, or episodic work. Older adults want choice. They are not looking for busy work but rather meaning and purpose. They are looking for interesting and challenging opportunities to make an impact on their communities. As the population ages, the contributions of older adults deserves more recognition and Next Cycle Works can accomplish this.