As Vietnam’s companies slim down operations and job markets shift, an increasing number of workers over 35 are entering the employment market. Meanwhile, labor shortage, both in unskilled labor and skilled workers, continues to challenge numerous companies. So, how can employers utilize elder workforce to simultaneously fulfill vacancies and make work accessible for everyone?
Skilled Older Workers Break the Age Barrier
According to Manpower Vietnam, the first half of 2025 has not seen a substantial increase in the demand for skilled labour. Yet, companies are getting pickier, craving abilities that machines can’t mimic. Analytical thinking, problem-solving and customer-oriented services are among the most in-demand soft skills mentioned in job postings in various fields.
Multinational firms (MNCs), notably, are tearing down age limits in hiring, promoting a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). With rapid digital transformation and ongoing unpredictable markets, companies prize adaptability and curiosity – qualities many mature professionals bring. For older workers who keep sharpening their expertise and embrace new trends, doors are swinging wide open.
Demand for mature workers in blue-collar staffing
Vietnam’s 2024 GDP grew by 7.09%, exceeding both the previous year and the set target and 2025 promises more. With manufacturing expanding and supply chains rebounding, hiring need for unskilled laborers in 2025 is expected to soar. Demand for blue-collar labor in both North and South regions of Vietnam is robust as 80% of employers have recruited more since the start of this year, i.e. in the manufacturing, garment, logistics, and electronics sectors. Yet even low-skill positions are hard to fill. A small garment factory in Hanoi, for instance, has more than 50% of its workers aged 40 and above.
“Older workers dominate in manufacturing and logistics”, says Ms Cao Le Thanh Loan, Senior Operations Manager, Staffing & Outsourcing and HR Consulting Services of Manpower Vietnam. “Some of our clients even hire workers aged 50-55, primarily for roles that don’t require tech savviness, extreme physical strength or intensive training. This workforce strategy reduces recruitment pressure and utitlizes the mature workforce already available in the market, who are reliable and demonstrate higher commitment.”
Why Older Workers Are Winning Over Employers
As Vietnam’s population is graying fast, more older labor will appear in the picture in the coming years. According to ManpowerGroup’s 2024 Total Workforce Index, Baby Boomers (1946-1964) and Gen X (1965-1980) took up 35% of the national workforce. Therefore, this shift demands flexibility from businesses and workers alike.
In blue-collar staffing and outsourcing, labor shortage motivates companies to turn to mature workers. The math is simple: young workers chase diverse gigs, and they no longer want to sweat it out on greasy factory floors. Hiring them is becoming increasingly competitive and costly. Older workers, by contrast, offer higher cost effectivity and stability. When it comes to skilled labor, it’s about depth. Many employers prioritize older candidates for their experience, which is often lacking in the younger talent pool. Some companies are also seeking skills that are irreplaceable by AI. ManpowerGroup’s 2025 Talent Shortage Report shows that almost 80% of APAC companies struggle with finding skilled candidates. Therefore, the mature and experienced workforce is a valuable asset that shouldn't be overlooked.
How to Recruit Older Workers in 2025
Embracing older workers isn’t just a stopgap; it’s a strategy for resilience. To make it work, businesses need smart hiring plans.
Value Experience: highlight roles where maturity adds an edge, like mentoring or complex problem-solving.
Simplify Tasks: for basic-level jobs, focus on positions needing minimal tech or physical strain, ideal for older hires.
Stay Flexible: offer part-time or seasonal contracts to attract retirees or semi-retired workers.
Partnering with a leader in recruitment and staffing services, like Manpower Vietnam, can streamline the process. Offering a widely diverse range of human resources and flexible solutions, Manpower Vietnam helps connect firms to older workers fast, whether for permanent or temporary roles. Agile solutions like staffing and outsourcing services cut fixed costs (insurance, training) while keeping operations lean.
Hiring older workers is more than a fix for today’s shortages – it’s a blueprint for tomorrow’s success. Their stability, skills, and perspective can anchor companies in a changing world of work. As Vietnam’s workforce ages, businesses that adapt now will lead the pack in 2025 and beyond.
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