Age at Work Conference

Is work even good for you anymore?

Our keynote speaker, Ruby Wax, will share with the audience her view of the world. As an extrovert with a passion for life, an avid interest in talking . . . and living, Ruby will share what’s she’s learned about the human spirit, why work is good for everyone, and how, especially as we get older, we shouldn’t be hindered by our age. Try new things, write, explore, ask questions, find the good in work, life and relationships. With an understanding that age expectancy has doubled since the 1950s, as Ruby states in her book – And Now For The Good News, she will bring her unique perspective into the virtual room and share her thoughts on how business is a key driver for making the world a better place. Having spoken to many businesses, Ruby has an optimistic insight into how businesses that value people of all ages really do hold a key to success.

Charlotte Turner from Bean Research will share key learnings and good practice, building on awareness and engagement; and Phoenix Group’s Head of Social Affairs and Age Special Advisor, Mary Bright will offer a business perspective on why age inclusion is important, the benefits of a multi-generational workforce, what practical steps business can take to support our older workers and address future challenges with supporting older workers in recruitment and in the workplace.

NORTHERN IRELAND SESSION

Business in the Community NI and Age NI work in partnership to deliver the Age at Work programme in Northern Ireland, providing a range of activities to support older workers to remain in or return to work, and to support businesses to be more age inclusive in recruiting, retaining and retraining older workers.

For example, Age NI provide tailored Mid-Career Review workshops for older workers seeking a refresh of their current role, skills and prospects, with the ultimate aim to increase their confidence, skills and opportunities for those who wish to, as well as those who need to, stay in work for longer.

Business in the Community provides a range of support, including the Still Ready for Work workshops which offers training on a range of employability topics for older workers not currently in employment or seeking a change of career. They also coordinate an Age Inclusive Learning Network, bringing businesses together to complete business audits, share and showcase best practice, hear from topic expert speakers and receive support to develop their own age inclusive business action plans.

SCOTLAND SESSION

Business in the Community Scotland and Age Scotland work in partnership to deliver the Age at Work programme in Scotland providing a range of activities to support older workers to remain in or return to work, and to support businesses to be more age inclusive in recruiting, retaining and retraining their older workers. Business in the Community provides a range of support, including the Still Ready for Work workshops which offers training on a range of employability topics for older workers not currently in employment or seeking a change of career. They also run a weekly online job club to support older workers on their journey back into employment and where appropriate broker work placements for our clients.

Age Scotland is the national charity for older people. Our vision is a Scotland which is the best place in the world to grow older. Within the workplace, we work with organisations to enable employees of all ages to feel respected, valued and able to fulfil their potential. We have supported over 13,000 individuals across more than 200 organisations with our funded consultancy programme and our wide range of workshops on topics including age inclusion, pre-retirement planning, unconscious bias and health & wellbeing.

WALES SESSION

Wales, like the rest of the UK, has an ageing workforce with over 50s making up about one third of the workforce and growing. This session aims to help attendees gain a good understanding of the issues around an ageing workforce in Wales, share some insight and good practice that businesses are taking to maximise the benefits of older workers in multigenerational workplaces and inspire you to take action in your organisation.

The Age at Work programme in Wales supports employers to become more age friendly in recruiting, retaining and training over 50s as part of a dynamic, age diverse workforce. The range of free support for employers includes a self-assessment Age Inclusive Business Review to identify gaps and highlight strengths relating to support older workers, an Age Inclusive Learning Network to share good practice and learn from peers and an Age Inclusive Employer Toolkit, a go-to guide to support your older workers in key areas, including, employer case studies. A Welsh language version of the Toolkit is also available.

The Mid-Career Review webinars support individuals aged 50+ to remain in or return to work to continue to earn, stay connected, develop their skills and have a fuller later life. The Mid-Career Review webinars are a starting point to encourage over 50s to plan for a positive future.

To find out more or to get involved in the Age at Work programme in Wales, visit www.bitcni.org.uk/ageatworkwales, or contact Jill Salter, Age at Work Programme Manager, jill.salter@bitc.org.uk.

The video below includes three sections as follows:

• 0:00 – 7:47 | Older workers and the Welsh workplace – Dr Martin Hyde, Swansea University

• 7:48 – 39:07 | Business Panel – Taking action to support your over 50s in the workplace, facilitated by Sue Husband, BITC Cymru

• 39:08 – 47:35 | A working Wales where age counts – valuing older workers – Michelle Lewis, Office for the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales .

Staying active is important at any age. In this 10 minute video, Gary Milligan from Fitness Belfast shows us some simple movements that can help us stay active as we get older. These movements can be done from your living room, or your office chair!