Friday Knowledge - Ageism in the workplace - can we afford to lose valuable skills?

Sooner or later, most people are affected by ageism in the workplace

The concept of ageism is about someone being judged, restricted or discriminated against because of their age - something that can affect both younger and older people. It can involve prejudices, negative attitudes and invisible barriers that affect everything from recruitment to career development.

Ageism in recruitment - a challenge for the labour market

What is the impact of ageism on recruitment and talent management? According to a survey by Kantar, commissioned by Randstad, 1 in 10 people feel they have experienced ageism in a recruitment process. In the 50-65 age group, the figure is twice as high. At the same time, many industries are facing a skills shortage. What does it mean for the labour market if experience and potential are overlooked because of age?

How can we broaden the view of skills and experience?

The question is, can we really afford to disregard experience and potential just because someone has passed a certain age? What norms and beliefs influence how we view age in the workplace?

Meet: John Mellkvist, co-founder of Pluskommissionen and Erfarenhetsstiftelsen and chair of the jury for the Senior Talent Award, shares insights on how ageism affects the world of work. Pamela Clemente Acuna - Project Manager at Right By Me, works to empower young people through initiatives such as CV workshops and Equal Health. We will also get an international perspective from our sister organisations in Slovakia and Romania.

This event is free and open to all:

• Members of Diversity Charter Sweden.
• Organisations that want to try out membership.

Contributors:

John Mellkvist – författare till ”Välj din ålder”

General Secretary and co-founder of the Plus Commission, the Experience Foundation and Jury President of the Senior Talent Award, he has long worked to change perceptions of age. He shares insights on how ageism affects the world of work.

Pamela Clemente Acuna - Project Manager at Right By Me

From participant to programme coordinator, junior project manager and now project manager. Working to empower young people to achieve their goals. Through initiatives such as CV workshops and the Equal Health programme, she offers support and guidance. With a focus on gender equality and intersectionality, Pamela has also participated in panel discussions and lectures at the National Board of Health and Welfare and Reach for Change.

Zuzana Kovacova - Slovak Diversity Charter

Zuzana provides an insight into how ageism affects the labour market in Slovakia.

Dana Oancea - co-founder of the Romanian Diversity Charter

How does ageism affect businesses and organisations in Romania? Dana Oancea gives an insight into the challenges and opportunities of the labour market in Romania.

Moderator: Linda Gerdin, Fora

Tips! Small reflections can make a big difference

Listen to Friday Knowledge with our recurring discussion questions in mind:

• What are your key insights from today?
• What can you take away and use in your business?
• What challenges do you see in your organisation?

Thinking about these issues will help you put your knowledge into practice and contribute to a more inclusive workplace.

Do you have questions or want to test a membership?
Contact us at event@diversitycharter.se

The Friday Knowledge is recorded at our member DNB Sweden.