Unlock the power of your older workers

Learning and development (L&D) opportunities are crucial for attracting and retaining talent. IMC research reveals that 92% of job candidates use L&D opportunities as a deciding factor when evaluating job offers, and 52% of employees have left roles due to insufficient personal or professional development opportunities.

So why are developmental opportunities for older workers scarce?

The root cause is ageism—be it direct, subtle, intentional, or unconscious. Preconceived notions about aging individuals hinder their career growth and must be addressed to unlock the potential of a significant workforce segment.

Currently, nearly one-third (32%) of workers are aged 50 or above. Despite this , 34% of these employees are unsatisfied with the few developmental opportunities available, and almost half (48%) believe their age prevents them from securing better jobs.

These barriers are actually unconscious biases tied to ageism. Managers may perceive midlife workers as overqualified, not tech-savvy, or too expensive to employ.

Such stereotypes perpetuate the belief that midlife workers lack the desire to learn, develop, and advance in their careers, which is far from true. Just under 30% of people who are 55 and over want to improve their skills but hesitate to request support from their employers.

And that’s just those who already want to improve. If all midlife workers were aware of available L&D opportunities, many more would likely be interested!

Employers who recognize and address these biases stand to benefit significantly from age inclusivity. This starts with incorporating inclusivity into hiring strategies, enabling access to diverse talent. Moreover, intergenerational teams are proven to be happier, foster mutual mentoring, and enhance customer satisfaction.

From both business and social perspectives, overcoming workplace ageism is a strategic move for any company.

If you would like to discuss how we can integrate age inclusivity into your hiring strategy and company culture, please get in touch with us.