Grey Matters - Maximizing the Power of a Mature Workforce

The Global population is rapidly aging, and with improved health and extended retirement ages persons are being forced to work for far longer periods than in the past.

Yet whilst organizations are quite rightly focused on ensuring that racial and gender biases are addressed. Very little attention is being paid to the over 50s, an extremely valuable resource - people who have decades of experience in the workplace, transferable skills, soft skills, insights and more who can offer so much to employers – and yet ageism is denying them the opportunity. In this presentation you'll learn;

- Why Ageism in the workplace is the forgotten DEI factor

- The benefits of maximizing the opportunities presented by an older workforce.

- And how to become a G.R.E.Y friendly employer

Webinar Outline

  • 0:03:20 – Meet Janice Sutherland

Janice, the CEO of 'This Woman Can', introduces herself and her background in leadership. Her 25-year long career journey, inclusive of becoming the first woman CEO in telecoms in Antigua and Barbuda, is truly inspiring. Quote: "...CEO and founder of This Woman Can, a leadership and personal development company for ambitious mid-career professional women of color"

  • 0:09:45 – Importance of the Mature Workforce

Ms. Sutherland delves into the importance of recognizing the value and contributions by older workers. She emphasizes the need to debunk common myths about the mature workforce, highlighting their productivity, adaptability, and extensive institutional knowledge. Quote: "...we have adapted to so many changes and we are also still willing to learn to adapt to new situations"

  • 0:17:10 – Age Discrimination and its Economic Impact

Janice brings up the harsh reality of age discrimination prevalent in workplaces and the detrimental economic impact it brings.

  • 0:22:35 – Assets of Older Workers

Experience, reliability, productivity, and mentorship qualities are among the benefits of employing older workers. These cover their core abilities, including effective communication, conflict resolution, and forming strong relationships. Quote: "...We bring different life experiences and perspectives and skills that can actually enhance the overall environment and contribute to organizational success"

  • 0:29:58 – Adapting to a Diverse Workforce

The necessity of embracing workforce diversity for organizational success is underscored. Janice emphasizes the criticality of an age strategy for growth. Quote: "If you don't have an age strategy for your organization, you really do not have a growth strategy"

  • 0:38:52 – Becoming a "Gray-friendly" Employer

Ms. Sutherland arms you with a detailed 12-step process to becoming a “gray-friendly” employer, initiating with a revamp of recruitment processes to providing family caregiving support.

  • 0:47:44 – Final Thoughts

In her closing words, Janice emphasizes how the mature workforce's experience and expertise can help organizations succeed and grow. She encourages listeners to seek further assistance or information. Quote: "Utilize our experience, our knowledge, our expertise to help your organization succeed"