The compelling need to promote an age‑inclusive workforce, say PAIG co-chairs

Human Resources: Australia is undergoing rapid population ageing, leading to more age diversity in workplaces than ever before as people are not only living longer but working longer.

New technologies are both a challenge and opportunity for a more age diverse workforce. In the new world of work, the ability to build businesses around a multigenerational workforce that recognises the value and contribution of workers of all ages will be crucial for prosperous and resilient companies.

In an interview with Health Industry Hub, Medicines Australia’s PAIG (Pharma Australia Inclusion Group) co-chairs Fiona Sheppard, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leader at Johnson & Johnson, and Lee Davelaar, Strategic Policy Manager at Pfizer, reflected on the current gaps and challenges in work practices and policies when considering an age-inclusive workforce, the key areas being addressed by the PAIG workshops and what best practice looks like.

Fiona Sheppard commented “I like to think about age as a holistic process, so it crosses all timelines. There’s been such a valid focus on parental leave and looking after younger family members. The older demographic is one that we really haven’t thought about, as organisations, around how we can support employees to be able to take time off outside of sick leave and annual leave to look after that aging workforce. Organisations need to implement opportunities or changes for employees to be able to be productive at work, but also manage their family responsibilities across that lifecycle of care.”