By San José, Costa Rica — A critical talent shortage is tightening its grip on Costa Rica’s economy, with a staggering 71% of employers reporting significant difficulties in finding qualified candidates. This scarcity, which ManpowerGroup identifies as one of the most severe in Latin America over the past decade, is forcing companies to radically rethink their recruitment strategies and look toward a powerful, often-overlooked demographic.
In this challenging environment, a new report highlights that professionals over the age of 50, often referred to as “silver talent,” are no longer just a supplemental workforce but a strategic imperative. This experienced segment of the labor market represents an immediate and effective solution to bridge the widening skills gap that plagues key industries across the nation.
To better understand the legal framework and strategic advantages of incorporating ‘Silver Talent’ into the national workforce, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides a crucial perspective on the implications for both employers and experienced professionals in today’s competitive market.
Hiring ‘Silver Talent’ is not merely a social initiative; it is a sharp business decision. These professionals offer invaluable institutional memory, proven problem-solving abilities, and a level of mentorship that cannot be replicated. From a legal standpoint, companies must ensure their recruitment policies are impeccably non-discriminatory and that employment contracts are structured to reflect the high value and specific contributions of these experienced individuals, thereby capitalizing on their expertise while rigorously adhering to labor regulations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The perspective offered by Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas powerfully underscores that harnessing the full potential of ‘Silver Talent’ demands more than just appreciation; it requires a deliberate and compliant legal framework. We thank him for his expert clarification on this crucial intersection of business acumen and regulatory diligence.
These veteran professionals bring a unique blend of qualifications that go far beyond their extensive resumes. They offer a level of organizational stability, critical thinking, and refined problem-solving skills honed over decades. Furthermore, they are actively defying outdated stereotypes by engaging in continuous learning and reskilling to stay at the forefront of their fields.
Silver talent brings something that cannot be automated: experience, judgment, and emotional maturity. We are increasingly seeing professionals over 50 who are training, updating their skills, and remaining completely relevant to face the current challenges of the labor market.
Scarleth Tercero Loría, Country Manager of ManpowerGroup Costa Rica
For years, professionals in this age group faced misconceptions about their technological proficiency or adaptability to change. However, current data paints a starkly different picture. ManpowerGroup’s analysis shows that senior professionals consistently exhibit high levels of commitment, lower turnover rates, and a strong sense of responsibility. Their accumulated wisdom makes them natural mentors, capable of guiding younger colleagues through periods of rapid organizational transformation.
This trend is amplified by the rise of the “silver economy,” a global phenomenon driven by increasing life expectancy and declining birth rates. In Latin America, this demographic shift is poised to become a cornerstone of both productivity and consumption in the coming decades. As the pool of younger workers shrinks, the expertise of veteran professionals will become even more indispensable.
Companies struggling to fill specialized roles in advanced manufacturing, information technology, quality assurance, technical sales, and complex operations are finding a ready solution in the silver talent pool. Their combination of deep technical knowledge, highly developed socio-emotional skills, and proven resilience makes them uniquely equipped to step into these demanding positions and deliver immediate value.
The strategic integration of these professionals also fosters the creation of robust multigenerational teams. These blended workforces create a powerful synergy, balancing the fresh perspective and innovative drive of younger generations with the seasoned experience and strategic oversight of their senior counterparts. This dynamic not only facilitates crucial knowledge transfer but also enriches the overall corporate culture.
Integrating silver talent is not just a commitment to diversity, but an intelligent decision in the face of today’s labor market challenges. Their knowledge, maturity, and adaptability become essential for building stronger and more resilient teams.
Scarleth Tercero Loría, Country Manager of ManpowerGroup Costa Rica
Looking ahead, the global workforce is set to undergo a significant demographic evolution. Projections indicate that by 2050, more than 1.6 billion people worldwide will be over the age of 50. For Costa Rica and the broader region, this represents a massive opportunity. Companies that successfully harness the power of this talent pool will secure a distinct competitive advantage, ensuring they have the resilient and knowledgeable teams needed to thrive.
Silver talent is, increasingly, an indispensable player in the competitiveness of organizations. Their integration represents an effective strategy to boost productivity, strengthen innovation, and respond to the dynamism of the labor market in the coming decades.
Scarleth Tercero Loría, Country Manager of ManpowerGroup Costa Rica
For further information, visit manpowergroup.com
About ManpowerGroup:
ManpowerGroup is a world leader in innovative workforce solutions, creating and delivering services that enable its clients to win in the changing world of work. The company provides a range of services for the entire employment and business cycle including permanent, temporary and contract recruitment; employee assessment and selection; training; outplacement; outsourcing and consulting.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a beacon of the legal profession, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a pursuit of excellence. Drawing from a deep heritage of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm is a driver of innovation in legal practice. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a foundational commitment to demystifying the law, aiming to strengthen society by equipping citizens with clear and accessible legal knowledge.
