At a time when experience is more vital than ever, too many skilled candidates are being overlooked, not for lack of ability, but because of age. That’s why, in conjunction with AgeInc, we’re proud to launch our Age Inclusive Recruiter program, a practical initiative designed to help recruiters and hiring managers attract, assess, and advocate for talent at every stage of life.

This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring every candidate, regardless of age, gets a fair opportunity to contribute, grow, and our program is being championed by our first two foundation members, Sirius and Talent Quarter.

Despite shifting demographics and longer working lives, age bias remains one of the most persistent, and least addressed, forms of workplace discrimination. In recruitment, that shows up in subtle but damaging ways.

The latest research from AHRI shows that:

• 1 in 4 HR professionals considers 50 too old for a new hire
• Many job ads still include age-coded language like “digital native” or “young and dynamic”
• Older candidates are twice as likely to face discrimination during the recruitment process
• 53% of all jobseekers have been discriminated against solely based on their age

Our Age Inclusive Recruiter program is designed to ensure your consultants, and the clients they recruit for, are actively contributing to a more equitable workforce. The program, as well as raising awareness of the issues of ageism amongst our Members, includes:

• Age bias training for senior leaders, consultants and talent acquisition teams
• Client education resources to support inclusive hiring conversations
• Approval to use the APSCo/AgeInc Age Inclusive Endorsed Recruiter badge
• Regular updates on best practice, case studies and examples of how to employ and retain more 50+ workers
• Invitations to events to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaborative working

This program is designed to create a competitive advantage for APSCo members, as hiring inclusively isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s smart business. With workforce participation rates declining among older Australians, inclusive hiring is becoming a commercial imperative.

As our population continues to age, Australian organisations will need to address their age bias to fill role and skill vacancies.  The agencies that help their clients understand this imperative will be in a better position to:

• Position themselves as a leading employer to both their current and future workforce as well as their client base
• Signal their intent to attract the best candidates, regardless of age, develop multigenerational teams and submit candidates of all ages on shortlists
• Show their commitment to creating an age inclusive working culture
• Advance both their employer brand and DEI agenda by demonstrating their age inclusive status
  
  

Becoming an Endorsed Age Inclusive Recruiter offers Members a range of advantages that go beyond simply fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, including:

• Recognition and credibility
• Access to resources and support
• Competitive advantage in recruitment and retention
• Networking and collaboration
• Demonstrated commitment to corporate social responsibility
  
  

To find out more or to partner with us on inclusive hiring, contact Richard Spencer via richard@ageinc.au or visit https://ageinc.au/apsco-endorsement