Darlington Building Society has signed the age-friendly employer pledge as part of its commitment to tackling ageism in the workplace.
Launched by the Centre for Ageing Better, the aim of the pledge is to improve the recruitment, retention and development of older workers.
By signing, Darlington Building Society has committed to take at least one action a year to improve the way it recruits, manages, retains and supports older employees, as well as valuing the experience, skills and dedication of staff over the age of 50.
The society will identify a senior sponsor for age inclusion within its workforce and ensure that age is specifically named within its equality, diversity and inclusion policies, for anyone looking to get back into work or begin a new career later in life.
Helen Easton, director of people and culture at Darlington Building Society, said: “Darlington Building Society is proud to be joining other leading organisations in taking action to help older workers flourish in the workplace. Committing to the age-friendly employer pledge underlines our commitment to employees of all ages.
“For various reasons, the typical career path has changed immeasurably in modern times; people are working longer, changing careers later and putting their journeys on hold to commit to young family time before re-entering the workforce at a later date. As part of our extensive equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, we believe that careers can begin, grow and flourish at any stage of life, and we fully support all staff on their individual journeys.”
Darlington Building Society also offers its employees flexible-working options, an additional day’s leave for birthdays, the ability to buy and sell up to five days annual leave each year, enhanced family-friendly leave, special leave entitlement, a bikes-for-work scheme, a car salary sacrifice scheme, a minimum of two volunteering days each year, a gym discount, an employee discount platform and long-service awards.