Boomers are staying in the job market as Gen Z struggles to break through

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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: In the U.S., older workers are staying in the labor market longer, impacting younger job seekers who are struggling to break into professional roles
• The average age of new hires has risen to 42 in 2025, reflecting a shift toward valuing experience amid economic uncertainty and AI disruptions
• The share of workers under 25 has significantly decreased, while older workers, especially those 65 and older, have seen a marked increase in job participation

🔭 The context: Young workers face an increasingly competitive job market where employers prioritize experience over potential
• Economic factors, such as slow job growth and AI automation, are reshaping hiring practices, with many companies hesitant to hire entry-level employees who require training
• At the same time, older workers are extending their careers, with many needing to work longer due to financial pressures, such as inflation and the rising cost of living

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The trend of older workers staying in the job market is shaping economic opportunities across industries
• This shift has implications for generational wealth gaps and long-term financial security, especially as younger workers face hurdles in advancing their careers
• The changing dynamics of the workforce also influence sustainability initiatives, as experienced employees may bring valuable skills to sectors focused on green energy and innovation

⏭️ What’s next: As AI continues to change the landscape of work, companies will likely continue to seek experienced workers who can quickly adapt to new technologies
• Younger generations may need to focus more on in-demand skills, such as AI and coding, to remain competitive
• In the meantime, older workers will continue to play a significant role in the labor market, particularly in people-facing and service industries

💬 One quote: “In the low-hire, low-fire environment that has defined much of the last year, there is little movement elsewhere in the labor market for these young workers to break in,” said Nicole Bachaud, labor economist at ZipRecruiter

📈 One stat: The average new hire age in 2025 was 42 years old, a significant increase from 40 in 2016

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