Recruitment firms Aquent, Sirius, and Talent Quarter introduce an age-inclusive hiring initiative aimed at championing and employing workers of all ages.
The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) Australia, in collaboration with AgeInc, has recently announced the launch of the APSCo Age Inclusive Recruiter program. This initiative aims to combat ageism and promote age inclusivity within the recruitment sector, with a particular focus on the tech industry.
The program is designed to provide participating recruiters with specialized training, resources, and data to help build multigenerational teams and reduce age-based hiring biases. The practical commitments include prioritizing age inclusivity in shortlists, educating clients on bias and inclusive hiring practices, and celebrating the skills and perspectives of professionals at all career stages.
Initial Foundation Members
The initial foundation members of this program include Aquent Australia, which became the first Age Inclusive Recruiter in its space through a partnership with APSCo Australia and AgeInc. Talent Quarter Australia is also publicly recognized as a foundation member of the APSCo Age Inclusive Recruiter program. Additionally, Sirius, a tech-related company, is the first member from the tech industry involved in the program.
Industry Leaders Speak Out
Danielle Johnson, National Director of Sirius, stated that signing up to the APSCo Age Inclusive Recruiter program is a natural step for them. As recruiters shape the workforce every day, they have a responsibility to lead on inclusion. Sue Healy, CEO of Talent Quarter, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that mature healthcare professionals bring deep clinical knowledge, are calm under pressure, and provide valuable mentorship to younger teams.
Richard Spencer, Founder of AgeInc, expressed his delight at partnering with APSCo and the wider recruitment industry to help raise awareness of age discrimination in the workplace. He emphasized that ageism is the last socially acceptable form of prejudice in Australian employment.
Monique Richards, Managing Director of Aquent, noted that the Age Inclusive Recruiter program challenges the bias that has been limiting workplaces and overlooking experienced candidates. Lesley Horsburgh, CEO of APSCo Australia, expressed her delight at welcoming Aquent, Sirius, and Talent Quarter as foundation members.
Addressing the Talent Gap
With an ageing population and anticipated talent gaps due to demographic shifts, the program targets the tech industry, highlighting the growing importance of older workers in the workforce by 2040. In a world of talent shortages, overlooking experienced candidates doesn't make sense, and this program provides the tools and training needed to build workforces that truly reflect the strength of all generations.
In conclusion, the APSCo Age Inclusive Recruiter program is a significant step towards addressing ageism and promoting age inclusivity in the recruitment sector. By providing specialized training, resources, and data, the program aims to help recruiters build multigenerational teams and reduce age-based hiring biases, ultimately leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The APSCo Age Inclusive Recruiter program extends its focus beyond the tech industry, venturing into fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden sectors, aiming to foster a lifestyle that celebrates the skills and perspectives of professionals at all career stages, thereby promoting inclusivity and combating ageism.
With a population ageing and talent gaps anticipated due to demographic shifts, this program's expanded reach will emphasize the growing importance of older workers in various industries, including fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden, by 2040. In a world of talent shortages, overlooking experienced candidates doesn't make sense, and this program provides the tools and training needed to build workforces that truly reflect the strength of all generations and lifestyles.
