The power of age diversity in the workplace
Ireland faces talent shortages across many sectors with all manner of organisations finding the current talent market challenging.
One option might be to embrace an age-diverse workforce, something that Age Friendly Ireland is advocating for. Multigenerational employment was at the heart of the third annual Age Friendly Ireland Ambassadors’ Day last Thursday.
John Spillane, Age Friendly Ambassador for Cork City, and Charles McAllister, Age Friendly Ambassador for Cork County, are among those promoting the importance of age-friendly workplaces and supporting employers to plan for an ageing workforce.
The annual event, this year hosted by Kerry County Council, brought together representatives from across the country to examine how employers can respond to Ireland’s changing demographics. Age Friendly Ireland’s nationwide network of ambassadors, including Francis Brennan, Geraldine Plunkett, Gavin Duffy, and John Spillane gathered to discuss the theme of Age Friendly Workplaces and the practical steps needed to support longer working lives.
As people live longer and healthier lives, many want – and need – to remain in the workplace for longer. Age Friendly Ireland said this shift presents a significant opportunity for employers willing to embrace flexibility, inclusive cultures and long-term workforce planning.
The event highlighted insights from Age Friendly Ireland’s Workplace Pathfinder Programme, which brought together businesses, recent retirees, and people approaching retirement age to understand what needs to change to support the fast-growing older population.
These insights include workforce succession planning, phased retirement models, increased pension planning, and addressing harmful stereotypes in the workplace. A nationwide survey of workers aged 45-65 found flexible working arrangements are the single biggest support needed to enable people remain in the workplace longer, with 37% of respondents identifying it as a key priority. A full report, including policy recommendations to support multigenerational employment, will be launched by Age Friendly Ireland later this year.
Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of Age Friendly Ireland, said: “On Ambassadors’ Day, we want to sincerely thank our Age Friendly Ambassadors across the country for the leadership and visibility they bring to this important movement. They use their voices and lived experiences to challenge perceptions of ageing, and to highlight the opportunities that come with living longer lives.
Age Friendly Ambassadors are appointed by councils to challenge ageism, champion dignity in ageing, and support more connected, active and inclusive ageing. Age Friendly Ireland is the national body supporting Ireland’s 31 local authorities to deliver the Government’s vision of an Age Friendly Ireland. Visit agefriendlyireland.ie.