Recruiters Introduce Age-Inclusive Program to Address Workplace Bias and Promote Diversity
Aquent, Sirius, and Talent Quarter have been announced as the inaugural recruitment agencies to join the new APSCo Age Inclusive Recruiter programme, developed in partnership with AgeInc. This initiative aims to recognise recruitment firms that actively promote inclusivity for employees of all age groups within the workplace. Participating agencies are required to educate and train senior leaders and recruiters to understand and address age discrimination, particularly focusing on improving opportunities for candidates aged 50 and above.
Australia faces a steadily ageing population, characterised by increasing longevity, healthier lifestyles, and declining birth rates. These demographic shifts present new challenges, including rising costs in healthcare, aged care, and pensions, alongside reductions in the working-age population and tax receipts, which could potentially impact overall productivity. Age discrimination remains a persistent issue within the labour market, especially in recruitment, with sectors like technology reportedly affecting individuals as young as 35, given that the median age of workers at major technology companies is below 30 years.
The Age Inclusive Recruiter programme seeks to address ageism by raising awareness, providing formal education, and introducing a co-branded endorsement badge for firms committed to age inclusivity. Despite ongoing demand for talent, advertised roles in ICT have returned to pre-pandemic levels. However, the technology sector anticipates growth to 1.2 million jobs nationally by 2030, necessitating an additional 635,000 workers over the next five years. Roles in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing remain particularly challenging to fill, with vacancy rates in tech jobs standing at 60% above the Australian average.
The programme aims to raise awareness of age discrimination, educate recruitment consultants to influence clients regarding older candidates, and signal agencies’ commitment through a recognised endorsement. It creates a coalition of national agencies dedicated to supporting employment for individuals aged 50 and over, both internally and by encouraging clients to adopt similar practices. Lesley Horsburgh, CEO of APSCo Australia, expressed delight in welcoming Aquent, Sirius, and Talent Quarter as foundation members and looks forward to collaborating with them and other APSCo members to combat age discrimination in the workplace.
Categories: Age Inclusivity, Age Discrimination, Recruitment Challenges
Tags: Aquent, Age Inclusive Recruiter, Ageism, Inclusivity, Recruitment, Age Discrimination, Workforce, Technology Sector, Employment, Demographic Shifts