The CEO Activist

14Age Is But a Number

Age in the workplace. Intergenerational workforces. How best can we protect our older team members, make space for school leavers and graduates, and navigate the huge differences between the five generations currently in our organisations?

It should be easier than we think – as several studies in Europe have revealed, businesses that employ an age-diverse workforce succeed better than those who focus on one age group at the expense of others. That said, we also know that CEOs in 2024 will be employing Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y/Millennials, Gen Z and in the next few years, Gen Alpha as well. So for CEOs to make this the asset that it is, they will need to think about how to bring out the best in everyone, and make everyone feel included.

Our 2023 DIAL Diversity Review offered some interesting insights.

Workers have experience and know how the company can support and nurture them to incentivise them to stay. Menopause is no longer a taboo topic, with almost all companies in our network saying they have a specific menopause policy, which can include guidance and training for line managers on how to recognise symptoms, have respectful conversations, and allow adjustments as necessary.

The UK has been especially hard hit with labour shortages since the pandemic. Those over 50 are re-evaluating their careers, the hours they work and many are retiring altogether. In fact, there has been a 9.5% increase in people aged 50–64 who are economically inactive, and there ...