A Joint Call from WorkL and 55/Redefined
In a world where inclusion increasingly defines success, International Age Diversity Day 2025 ー also styled as I+ADD25 ー offers an invaluable opportunity to shine a spotlight on age diversity in the workplace. As the Age Diversity Forum explains, the “+” symbol signals our shared potential to positively contribute to workplace culture across all age groups.
WorkL + 55/Redefined: United for Inclusion
Recently, WorkL has announced 55/Redefined as the new sponsor of the 55+ category in the World’s Happiest Workplaces Awards. This partnership and WorkL’s sponsorship of 55/Redefined’s International Age Pioneers Week reinforces a powerful message: age diversity isn’t just respectful, it’s essential for thriving workplaces.
Together, these voices signal a bold shift toward elevating mid-career and later-career talent ーnot just as participants but as leaders of inclusive innovation.
Happiness Knows No Age
As WorkL’s research reveals, people in the 55+ age category ranked Empowerment and Instilling Pride the highest on their Happy At Work Tests, scoring 75 and 76 percentage points respectively. This is significantly higher than the 16-24 age category, who scored 70 and 69 percentage points for the same categories. Their overall happiness scores were generally lower (around 69 percentage points), with Reward & Recognition being ranked the lowest (65 percentage points).
These figures underscore a compelling narrative: mature workers often feel more empowered and proud; perhaps due to experience, developed skills and recognition of their contributions while younger employees may still be seeking structures that motivate and reward them effectively.
Why I+ADD25 Matters Now
- Bridges generational gaps: I+ADD25 encourages storytelling across ages, highlighting how each generation contributes unique perspectives and problem-solving skills.
- Counters age bias: By spotlighting achievements and value at every career stage, we counter subtle biases that can limit opportunities for seasoned professionals or, conversely, overlook ambitions of younger staff.
- Advances organisational performance: WorkL’s own data show happier workplaces report higher productivity, lower turnover and reduced sick leave. Imagine how much stronger that effect becomes when age diversity is intentionally nurtured.
Actions for Organisations: Building I+ADD25 Momentum
- Celebrate across generations: Launch events or internal campaigns featuring voices and stories from early-career to later-career employees.
- Share the data: Use results like the empowerment and pride scores to inform tailored initiatives (e.g. mentorship for 16-24s, recognition programmes that reinforce younger employees’ contributions while maintaining empowerment among older workers).
- Partner and promote: Join forces like WorkL and 55/Redefined to give age diversity both visibility and momentum.
- Use official I+ADD25 tools: From social media banners to workplace posters, the Age Diversity Forum provides resources to reinforce your stance.
For this International Age Diversity Day 2025 (I+ADD25), let’s elevate age-inclusive values:
- Celebrate the pride and empowerment found in mature employees.
- Support younger professionals with recognition and development.
- Strengthen workplaces by intentionally embracing generational harmony.
By aligning the insight-rich, research-led approach of WorkL with the passionate advocacy of 55/Redefined, organisations can truly make I+ADD25 not just a date on the calendar but a pivotal moment in their journey toward inclusive excellence.
