This conversation was recorded on 28 March 2025 as part of Friday Knowledge - our knowledge series on diversity and inclusion.
Ageism affects us all at some point in our working lives. It is about being judged or discriminated against because of one's age, which can affect both younger and older people. This phenomenon affects recruitment, career development and the working environment.
According to a survey by Kantar, commissioned by Randstad, 1 in 10 people feel they have been subjected to 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 skills shortages.
Can we really disregard experience and potential based on age?
What norms govern our views on age in the labour market?
Contributors:
John Mellkvist, författare av ”Välj din ålder”, generalsekreterare och medgrundare av Pluskommissionen och Erfarenhetsstiftelsen samt juryordförande för Senior Talent Award. Han delar insikter om hur ålderism påverkar arbetslivet.
Pamela Clemente Acuna, project manager at Right By Me. She works to empower young people through initiatives such as CV workshops and Equal Health.
Zuzana Kovacova, Slovak Diversity Charter. She provides an insight into how ageism affects the labour market in Slovakia.
Dana Oancea, co-founder of the Romanian Diversity Charter. She talks about how companies and organisations in Romania are working towards a more inclusive labour market.
Moderator: Linda Gerdin, Fora.
Chat facilitator: Sara Mirza, MultiMind Staffing
Location of recording: The Friday Knowledge was recorded at our member DNB Sweden
Tips! Increase your active listening through our conversation questions!
Discussion questions to reflect on:
What are your key takeaways?
What can you use in your organisation/for you? What do you see as challenges in your organisation/for you?
Small reflections can make a big difference. Thinking about these questions will help you put your knowledge into practice and contribute to a more inclusive workplace.
