1 in 4 workers across the G7 will be over 50 years old by 2030 and we’re living in an age where the 50-year-career is fast approaching. Yet, most employers are still failing to plan for an age-diverse workforce and many older workers are not supported to stay in, re-enter or progress in work.
The Age at Work programme seeks to support change in this area. Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and delivered by Age NI in partnership with Business in the Community NI and their counterparts in Scotland and Wales, the programme’s dual approach aimed to support older workers in gaining new skills and stay in or return to work, while also assisting employers to create more age-inclusive workplaces.
The Age at Work programme and our research has demonstrated that age-inclusive workplaces are not just better for workers—they are better for businesses and the broader economy as well.
Bean Research ran alongside the programme over its five years, and as its Learning & Evaluation Partner met with the six teams across the three nations quarterly to share the latest insights and evaluation, allowing the teams to learn from the research and adapt the programme as a result. The final report is being released in January 2025.
Supporting Older Workers: The programme has not only helped individuals assess their career paths but also gave them the tools to reskill, build their financial literacy, and, importantly, remain mentally and emotionally engaged in their professional lives. The programme’s focus on financial security was particularly relevant, as many older workers were facing the prospect of reduced pensions and savings, especially those who left the workforce prematurely due to the pandemic.
Supporting Employers to Create Age-Inclusive Workplaces: While 76% of employers recognise the value of older workers’ experience, many still fail to implement the practices needed to support them. The programme worked with employers to create more age-inclusive workplaces by providing audits, training and resources to help them value the skills and experience of older workers. This included reducing age-related biases in hiring practices and supporting businesses in creating flexible working environments that are conducive to retaining older employees.
The Social Return on Investment: The findings from the SROI assessment showed that the programme generated more than seven times its investment in social value, creating a significant positive impact for older workers, employers, and wider society.
But, as ever, more needs to be done.
A distinguishing factor of the programme reported by the National Lottery Community Fund was Bean’s role in supporting the Programme over its five years. It has been a pleasure working with the Age at Work partners throughout the programme – thank you to Age NI, BITC NI, Age Scotland, Age Wales, BITC Scotland, BITC Wales.
We are proud of the fact that the Age at Work programme and our research has demonstrated that age-inclusive workplaces are not just better for workers—they are better for businesses and the broader economy as well. With a sevenfold return, we hope more and more organisations will support age inclusivity.
Age at Work: 5 year evaluation across 3 nations – Bean Research
We also love the work of these organisations continuing to promote age inclusive workplaces and communities – see the links below.
