Publications
Flexible Policies for a More Inclusive Workplace: Diversity Is Not Enough
2020
González-Rivera, C., & Finkelstein, R. (2020, November 16). Flexible Polices for a More Inclusive Workplace: Diversity Is Not Enough. Silver Spring, MD: Center for Workforce Inclusion.
christian gonzález-rivera and Ruth Finkelstein
One of the most visible signs of progress in the United States today is the increasing recognition by employers of the value of a diverse workplace. Multiple surveys have shown that employers recognize that a more diverse workforce allows them to tap into a broader range of experiences to increase competitiveness and many also see diversifying their workforce as a moral issue.
But this push towards diversity and inclusion rarely includes workers over the age of 50. While almost all large employers have diversity strategies that include race and gender, only 8 percent include age as a factor. Many companies’ stated reason for adapting diversity and inclusion strategies is to increase their competitive edge through harnessing diverse perspectives. Yet it seems that persistent myths about older workers prevent them from seeing age diversity as a contributor to their competitive bottom line.
In this article published by the Center for Workforce Inclusion, christian gonzález-rivera and Ruth Finkelstein outline specific policies that employers can adopt to make workplaces better places to grow older. These policies are not intended to force people to work longer until later ages. Rather, they are designed to ensure that formal employment remains an option across the life course for people who need or desire to work.