Mind the Experience Gap: Why Age-Diverse Teams Outperform

Recent research has highlighted a concerning trend about experience in the workplace: the over 50s are feeling ignored and pushed-out. According to a recent survey, 73% of these older professionals reported being overlooked for promotions in their current roles – while many others felt it had been a struggle to secure new opportunities. This raises important questions about the treatment of experienced professionals in our workforce, and the biases that may exist in the hiring and promotion process.

The Challenges Facing Ageing within the Workplace

1. Experience Limiting Workplace Growth

Many professionals aged over 50 believe they are overlooked for career progression and held back from leadership opportunities, despite their experience. Unconscious bias can influence promotions, and it seems that younger employees often perceived as more adaptable to change or new technologies. This outlook is clearly wrong, and it can limit career growth and retention of highly skilled professionals, however, the perception of age-related bias is a recurring issue.

2. Experiencing Job Search Difficulties

Older candidates reported frequently facing hiring bias, with concerns around being “overqualified” (43%), having unrealistic salary expectations (25%), or not fitting company culture (15%). Further, applicant tracking systems (ATS) may also filter out experienced professionals based on outdated assumptions, making it harder to reach the interview stage.

3. Mind the Workplace Training Gap

Despite 66% of workers agreeing that continuous learning is essential, 59% of over-50s report being excluded from training and up-skilling programs. This not only hinders their career development but also limits their ability to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving job market.

Despite 66% of workers agreeing that continuous learning is essential, 59% of over-50s report being excluded from critical training and digital up-skilling programs. With rapid technological advancements, businesses risk undervaluing experienced employees and by failing to provide learning opportunities they are not only doing a disservice to their employees, but harming their own company performance.

Why Workplace Experience is Such a Valuable Asset

• Depth of Experience: Older professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and soft skills, such as leadership and strategic thinking.
• Commitment and Stability: Unlike younger workers who may prioritise “job-hopping,” over-50s are more likely to offer long-term loyalty to an organisation.
• Balanced Teams: Multigenerational workforces benefit from a mix of seasoned expertise and younger employees’ digital fluency, fostering innovation and adaptability.

Overcoming Bias and Promotion Inclusion in the Workplace

To combat age-related biases, businesses should:

1. Reassess Hiring Practices: Evaluate whether job descriptions or hiring processes inadvertently discourage older applicants.
2. Offer Targeted Training: Ensure that training programs are inclusive, helping all employees—regardless of age up-skill in areas like technology, compliance, and leadership.
3. Recognise Value in Experience: Shift perceptions about “over-qualification” by highlighting how experienced professionals can bring immediate value and stability to teams.

How Your Company can use Workplace Experience for Evolution

The workforce is evolving, and with it, the need for diverse and inclusive practices. Over-50s are an untapped resource of knowledge, stability, and dedication, and organisations that invest in this demographic stand to benefit significantly.

What steps are your company taking to ensure older professionals are valued and included? Let’s drive this conversation forward!