Business Figures Gather at House of Lords for Discussion on Aging Employment Dilemma
In a significant move towards promoting inclusivity and addressing the challenges faced by an ageing workforce, the Brave Starts event was held at the House of Lords on June 10. The event, hosted by organizations focused on employment and diversity, equity, and inclusion issues, brought together a diverse group of leaders from various sectors to discuss and find solutions for the challenges faced by an ageing workforce.
Sarah Mavius, Head of Returners Programme at FDM Group, emphasized the importance of including older workers in the UK labor market. Mavius asserted that the revolution in industries like technology relies on the capabilities of the entire workforce, regardless of age. She also highlighted the importance of bringing older workers into sectors like technology and providing them with training and support.
One of the key solutions discussed at the event was the need to modernize employment practices. Mavius suggested that this includes unbiased recruitment tools, flexible workplace policies, and a focus on skills-based recruitment to allow older candidates to compete fairly. She underscored the need for businesses to create an environment that fosters multi-generational workforces, enabling equal opportunities for all ages.
The event focused on finding solutions within each attendee's sphere of influence to address the challenges faced by an ageing workforce. Age-inclusive job descriptions and advertising, flexible working arrangements, skills-based recruitment, training and continuous development, leveraging experience and mentorship, addressing age bias and stereotypes, and health and wellbeing support were among the actionable solutions proposed.
Notable attendees included the Head of Policy for 50Plus Employment Support of the Department for Work and Pensions, the President of CIPD, a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Partner at Barclays Bank, the CEO of Jobs Foundation, and the Head of Returners at FDM Group. By 2030, one in three UK workers is expected to be aged 50 or older.
Mavius's comments reiterate the role of organizations focused on employment and diversity, equity, and inclusion issues in hosting events like the one at the House of Lords. Her comments reinforce the need to bring together a diverse group of leaders from various sectors to discuss and find solutions for the challenges faced by an ageing workforce.
Employers who do not modernize their recruitment and workplace practices risk exacerbating skills gaps and missing out on valuable experience and expertise. By adopting these actionable solutions, businesses can ensure recruitment practices do not inadvertently exclude or marginalize older workers while tapping into their valuable skills and experiences.
Technology plays a crucial role in industries' progression, as Sarah Mavius, Head of Returners Programme at FDM Group, emphasized, advocating for the inclusion of older workers in sectors like technology. To create an environment that fosters multi-generational workforces and promotes equal opportunities, businesses should consider implementing unbiased recruitment tools, flexible workplace policies, and skills-based recruitment.
