Retail business Oliver Bonas has gained accreditation as an age-friendly employer by signing up to the Centre for Ageing Better’s pledge.
Established last year to help overcome ageism in the workplace, and assist employers to resolve skills shortages and vacancy rates, the pledge helps recognise the importance and value of older workers.
Oliver Bonas committed to identifying a senior sponsor for age inclusion within their workforce and ensure that age is highlighted in its equality, diversity and inclusion policies.
The business is required to take at least one action a year to improve the recruitment, retention and development of workers aged 50 and above. These actions include creating an age-friendly culture, hiring age-positively, offering flexible working, encouraging career development at all ages, and ensuring everyone has the health support they need, while also having open conversations about subjects such as the menopause at work.
Anna Parfitt, people director at Oliver Bonas, said: “We are committed to creating a multi-generational workforce and age-friendly culture at Oliver Bonas. By signing the age-friendly employer pledge, we are demonstrating the importance of taking steps to support all ages within our workplace.
“We are proud through our work with our equality, diversity and inclusion team and Voices network to already be offering many of the key areas within the pledge, including flexible working, menopause support in addition to age positive recruitment advertising. We look forward to continuing our journey working with the Centre for Ageing Better.”
Dr Emily Andrews, deputy director for work at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “It is excellent to see Oliver Bonas join more than 140 organisations in committing to improving work for people in their 50s and 60s and beyond. Signing the pledge is a brilliant way for employers to kick off their journey towards becoming age-inclusive.”
