A Guide to Managing an Ageing Workforce - Public Sector ...

Champion the cause
Ensure a project or issue is
progressed and regularly reported on
by appointing a senior manager as a
champion for the cause.
3.2 Promote an Age-inclusive Culture
Workplace culture is the attitudes, values and behaviours within an organisation which determine what is
supported and expected of employees. Workplace culture plays a critical role in the success of age diverse
strategies.
A recent survey of more than 8,000 employers found that fewer than half are seeking staff over the age of
45 xiii . A work environment that is not supportive of mature employees is a key factor in exit decisions xiv . The
support and camaraderie mature employees gain from the work environment is significant in their decision to
continue to work xv .
Strategies for an age-inclusive workplace culture
Initiatives
Age diverse approach
Gain leadership support
Lead by example
Review Processes
Action/opportunity
Strategies should be designed to fit with the existing culture. Agediverse
strategies will achieve better outcomes than initiatives
specifically targeted at mature employees xvi .
The support of CEOs and Directors General is crucial to the
success of any age-diverse strategies. Leaders have the power
to align age-diverse strategies with business goals and to develop
supportive policies and practices. To gain support, raise awareness
and understanding of labour market changes and the associated
opportunities and challenges.
Leaders must champion and advocate age diversity as good
business practice.
Processes should be reviewed to eliminate age imbalance or bias
from recruitment and performance development processes.
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A Guide to Managing an Ageing Workforce
www.publicsector.wa.gov.au