Every day we wake up, we’re a day older. No matter how old OR young you are, you’re part of the ageing workforce. It’s just that some of us are more a part of it than others.
It’s something you don’t realise until you’re in it. And it happens sooner than you’d like or expect. One day, you wake up to suddenly find that too soon, you’re too old. And the kicker is, you don’t feel it!
One of the things that I’ve been diving into since I passed the magic midway mark is the reality of ageing and ageism in our workplaces: how these will impact our personal life and leadership journey, as well as the strategic opportunities and challenges they raise for us as leaders in our workplaces and society.
This is something I’m excited to help attendees understand as one of the three fundamental shifts being explored at The Future Workplace Forum, hosted by HRNZ and the Auckland University Business School in Auckland on 7 November:
- Changing workforce demographics in New Zealand
- The rapid advancement of technologies including AI; and
- The need for building sustainable organisations.
This one-day immersion is an opportunity to create space in the pace of day-to-day life and leadership to look up at the horizon we are rapidly moving towards. It’s an opportunity to:
- Understand the transformative changes impacting workplaces
- Learn how to lead these critical changes to shape a future-ready workforce; and
- Equip yourself with actionable strategies and insights to drive success.
As part of Stream One on changing workforce demographics, I’ll be joined by Prof. Paul Spoonley (Understanding Shifting Demographics & Implications for HR Practices), Dr. Nimbus Staniland (Māori Workforce & Driving Positive Workplace Change), and Alexi Hilbertidou (Movers, Shakers, Action Takers: Inside the Mind of Gen Z).
My session on Embracing the Silver Wave will touch down on three key areas (each a BIG topic on their own!) to raise awareness, provoke thought, and inspire action:
1. Looking Beyond Boomers: Widening our Perspective on the Ageing Workforce
The Baby Boomer generation is pretty much the sole focus of any ageing workforce conversations at the moment BUT, if we are to be truly future-focused, we must recognise midlife as the ‘ageing’ entry point and the impact of Gen X as they move into their 50s, 60s and beyond.
2. Radically Rethinking Retirement: Living and Working in an Age of Longevity
Twenty one percent of currently employed New Zealand Boomers will have insufficient funds to retire at 65 and we have a gender savings gap in Kiwisaver of 32-36% between Gen X men and women. As longevity and health span increase, the traditional model of retirement is no longer viable or even desirable for many.
3. Addressing Ageism: The Big Adaptive Challenge for Individuals and Organisations
Ageism remains a significant barrier to embracing the potential of ALL people as they move through life. Understanding where ageist stereotypes and stories show up in our own beliefs and behaviours, as well as our organisational policies, practices and culture is essential if we are to create the age inclusive, intergenerational workplaces we need for the future.
The Future Workforce Forum is ridiculous value at $402.50 incl GST ($287.50 for HRNZ Members)! You can find out more about all three streams, the speakers, and their presentations HERE.
If you’re a leader who plans on being part of the world and workforce in the next 5-20 years, this is a MUST ATTEND event.
I hope you’ll join me!
