Investors Group, founded in 1926, is a national leader in delivering personalized financial solutions to Canadians through a network of more than 4,500 Consultants located throughout Canada. In addition to an exclusive family of mutual funds and other investment vehicles, Investors Group offers a wide range of insurance, securities, mortgage and other financial services. For over 80 years, we have firmly believed that building long-term relationships with clients is the best way to help individuals reach their financial goals at each stage of their lives .Investors Group is a part of IGM Financial, and a member of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies, one of Canada’s largest and most respected companies.

1. Survey Insights
A little bit older, a little bit wiser
November 27, 2012

2. Introduction
 In September 2012, Investors Group commissioned the polling
firm Harris Decima to undertake a survey of small and medium
sized Canadian business owners (less than 500 employees)
 Initial results of the survey were released on October 30, 2102 and
focused on succession planning (The Entrepreneurial Journey)
 The second wave of findings, released November 27, 2012, explore
perceptions of employing older workers among Canadian small
business owners
 Following are results from “A Little Bit Older, A Little Bit Wiser:
Canada’s Small Business Owners Admire Older Workers“
 Survey methodology: This survey was conducted by Harris/Decima online from September 21-October 14,
2012, with 743 owners or senior financial decision makers of businesses of less than 500 employees. The
data was weighted by business size within region to match the profile of businesses of this size in Canada.

3. Key Findings
 Ninety-six per cent of Canadian small and medium sized business owners
agree that workers 65 years and older offer more valuable experience and
expertise than younger workers
 The majority (85 per cent) of small business owners do not have concerns
about lack of stamina and reduced productivity from older workers
 While 31 per cent of small business owners currently have employment
opportunities within their organizations:
- 79 per cent say it’s not likely that the position will be filled by an older
worker now
- 64 per cent say they are not likely to fill openings with older workers in
the future

4. Key Findings
 Many employers surveyed said they already offer, or are agreeable to
implementing various workplace adjustments for older workers
 Part-time employment (65 per cent)
 Specific project work (43 per cent)
 Contract or consulting work (35 per cent)
 Working from home (25 per cent)
 Job sharing (23 per cent)
 Fifty-six per cent of respondents say older workers should apply for whatever
opportunities interest them

5. Older Workers in Today’s Workforce
 Seventeen per cent of business owners say at least one-tenth of their
workforce is 65 or older

6. How do Canadian business owners feel about workers
over the age of 65?
 A majority of Canadian business owners recognize the value of
employing older workers

7. Hiring Potential
 Despite the accolades, many business owners are still hesitant to take on
the 65+ demographic as new staff for current positions

8. Older Workers and Workplace Challenges
 Business owners also recognize workplace and employment
challenges for older workers

9. Flexible Work Accommodations Offered
 Many small business owners already offer, or are agreeable to
implementing a number of workplace adjustments for older workers

10. Retiring Workers in the Next Five Years
 There will be a increased number of retiring employees in the next five
years, presenting renewed career opportunities for older workers
considering a slower transition into retirement
Q: What proportion of your current workforce is likely to retire in the next 5 years?

11. Planning a Working Retirement?
Advice from Canadian Business Owners
 Canadian business owners aren't pigeon-holing workers into certain
types of work, but suggest a number of options to pursue