More employers across a range of industries are signing up to the Centre for Ageing Better's 'Age-friendly' pledge.
Created by the Centre for Ageing Better, this pledge is designed to combat ageism in the workplace while addressing skills shortages and high vacancy rates.
Who can sign the pledge?
The pledge is a national initiative designed for employers who:
acknowledge the significance and importance of older employees;
are dedicated to enhancing the working conditions for individuals in theirs 50s and 60s and beyond; and
are willing to take steps to facilitate their success in a diverse, multigenerational workforce.
What does it mean to be an ‘age-friendly’ employer?
To be an ‘age-friendly’ employer under the pledge, organisations will:
Appoint a senior sponsor for age-inclusion within their workforce and publicly declare their dedication to the pledge.
Explicitly include age in their Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policies.
Undertake initiatives to enhance the recruitment, retention, and professional growth of employees aged 50 and above, focusing on at least one of the following areas:
• Cultivate an age-friendly workplace culture.
• Embrace age-positive hiring practices.
• Provide flexibility for flexible working arrangements.
• Promote career development for employees of all ages.
• Ensure access to necessary health support for everyone.
Employers commit to taking action in at least one of these areas every year and providing annual reports on initiatives and accomplishments.
Range of sectors recognising the value of older workers
One of the most recent employers to sign up to the pledge is the University of Essex, making it the first university in the UK to do so. The university has initiated a series of programmes aimed at supporting its older staff members. These initiatives encompass focus group discussions, consulting with research colleagues who have expertise in related fields, such as classing age as a protected characteristic, and the appointment of an inclusion champion for individuals of all age groups. Additionally, a mid-life review is in the works to provide career, health, and financial support for employees.
Insurance services provider, Phoenix Group, has all five generations from 18 to 71 in its workforce. The organisation has also taken action to meet its commitments under the pledge. They have a carers’ leave benefit available to all employees , which can be taken as individual hours or days, depending on personal preference. Due to its popularity, it was expanded from five to 10 days of paid leave and additional unpaid leave per year. This ensures that highly skilled individuals can join and stay at the organisation. They provide equal opportunities to individuals of all age groups and ensure that the participation of those over 50 aligns with their proportional representation within the company.