Age in the Workplace

2022 marks CMI’s 75th anniversary. To highlight this milestone, we are exploring what best practice looks like in Modern Management. Our focus is on the barriers that remain for including and maximising talent in the workplace, and how - as managers and leaders, we can take steps to overcome them.

One area that we are researching is age in the workplace.

The Workplace in Review: Age

In CMI’s 75th Anniversary research, 95% of those who thought older workers in their organisation were under-represented either said that their organisation was not proactively trying to recruit older workers to diversify their workforce, or that they did not know if action was being taken.

As more of us face longer working lives, we need to harness the benefits of multigenerational teams. So, what steps should employers take to improve age diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

Watch this documentary to hear perspectives from across the working generations, giving you insights and advice to understand where you can make a difference.

Age Discussion Paper

Age in the Workplace

As everyone faces longer working lives, there is a need to reframe how we think about age in the workforce. Our Advisory Council argued that rather than seeing increases in life expectancy as meaning increases in the length of retirement, how can we increase opportunities for education and training in later life, or support the beginning of a new venture or career? How can we open up and rebalance opportunities across all life stages?

Download the discussion paper

We take a look at the findings from our research and the steps managers and leaders can take to create truly inclusive workplaces. Read the discussion paper on Age in the workplace.

Read the discussion paper

Resources and Articles

390 entries found
Topic: Apprenticeships

CMI Student of the Year: “I found the course incredible”

University project manager Ellie Pickering jumped at the idea to do a management apprenticeship

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Topic: Age

Ageless beauty: How to manage multi-generational teams

If older workers bring the wisdom of experience, their younger peers can inject energy and fresh ideas.

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Topic: Equality and Diversity

“It’s always about resilience”: The Female Lead’s Edwina Dunn OBE on women’s fight for recognition

“Women are a phenomenal force”, says Tesco Clubcard and The Female Lead pioneer Edwina Dunn OBE

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Topic: Equality and Diversity

Applying Diversity and Inclusion: Five elements that no organisation can afford to ignore

Diversity and inclusion takes care and attention. Here are five key tips to get it right…

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How CMI can help

The Welcoming Workplace: Building Strong Foundations

Supporting low-skilled employees and new starters to succeed in the workplace. This research focuses on the central role that managers and leaders play in supporting low-skilled workers to succeed and progress in the workplace.

View the research

Community and Regional Networks

Have your voice heard on important matters like workplace inclusivity through CMI’s community networks. These are made up of passionate individuals who come together to advocate for real change in their organisations and industries.

Get involved with the Community