40 is the new 30

40 is the new 30 40 IS THE NEW 30? You know how we all keep hearing, 40 is the NEW 30!? well, Im not quite sure how much of that I really believe, maybe it is in Hollywood but it doesnt stop me from lathering on the wrinkle cream every morning and night in hopes of stopping the increasingly apparent (and depressing) aging process happening on my face. However, good news in on the rise to the 40-somethings! It used to be that the main candidates for corporate relocation were 30-somethings looking to move up the corporate ladder. Not anymore. According to Robert Scally of Workforce.com, Companies are now asking 40-somethings and seasoned veterans to relocate. Its a development paralleling another workplace trend: the demand for high-skilled workers. From 1973 to 1987 about 12 percent of transferees were over 40, according to Atlas Van Lines annual coprorate relocation surveys. Today, the figure is around 30 percent. In addition, the demand for quality workers has emerged as the highest external factor affecting corporate relocations. Heres another trend that emerged from the survey: Health benefits and full insurance coverage arent the only benefits being scaled back by employers these days. Over the past 40 years, reimbursement packages for trasferees and new hires have been shrinking from full reimbursement for travel and moving expenses to partial reimbursement and lump-sum payments. However, perks such as spousal job assistance is up. Its just one way companies are going above and beyond to lure top talent. Thirty years ago, most companies fully reimbursed transfereesin fact, the figure was close to 86 percent. Last year, slightly more than half offered the perk. Its also a benefit few small companies are able to afford, and more large companies dish out. Other trends include an increase in international relocations and outsourcing, as well as the demand for a more skilled workforce. Getting older has its perks after all! Until next time, Erin Kennedy, CPRW