The wave of retirements that began four years ago during the pandemic has left companies scrambling to find and train their replacements. That's one of the key findings of the 2025 Salary Guide from the business consulting firm Robert Half. The annual report examines trends in hiring and compensation across major industries. This year's survey reveals a continuing trend of early retirements creating an experience gap for many companies. "We've kind of seen that since 2020, where a lot of people weren't forced into retirement, but just decided to retire early," says Robert Vaughn, Houston-based technology specialist with Robert Half. "And so we're still seeing that skills gap that hasn't picked up."
That skills gap has many managers reaching out to those former employees on the couch or on the beach, and making the offer to come back. "We're seeing companies looking to invest in the new people coming in underneath (the retirees), but also looking to rehire back those experienced workers on a consultant or part-time basis to help bridge that skills gap," says Vaughn. At a time when the hiring process has gotten more difficult due to technology and other factors, this is one of the easiest hires companies can make. The Robert Half survey finds 57% of Houston employers are investing in upskilling their newer employees, while 26% are rehiring retirees to help as trainers and consultants.
For those retirees who may want to get back in the game, even on a part-time basis, Vaughn says there are many factors to consider. "Do your research, so you know what it is you have to offer against those opportunities that might be open to you," he tells KTRH.
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