I am in my late 60s and just completed a series of HR-mandated training videos about workplace diversity and bias, but there was not one mention of ageism. How can I raise consciousness at the government agency where I work?
– Hamid B.
First up, get relevant. Search online to find the most up-to-date trend data on the value of diversity, which includes age across generations. You might find my book Gray is the New Green (2016, 2018, 2021) a great resource for you and the agency. Keep on top of trending shifts. Don’t get sucked into the research. Once you have some data to point to, use your experience in the recent training to get heard.
Speak up. Write something. Go to someone who has decision-making power to catalyze change. Offer to contribute time and ideas to the development of a training on ageism, age bias… don’t forget to have the scoop on the game-changing value of older adults in the workforce. Even better, add in the power of cross-generational collaboration and innovation.
And remember: Discrimination can go either way. Sometimes younger, qualified employees are not taken seriously, and their leadership questioned. The Ageless Way invites us to create truly intergenerational workplaces where everyone’s perspective and contributions are valued.
Do keep us posted on how this calling is going for you.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.