Ageism in the Workplace: Companies Breaking the Mold | Work & Purpose

Ageism in the workplace is rampant in some businesses. Happily, there are still companies that appreciate the experience, wisdom, and value that you can offer to their workforce. Here's a list of employers that provide support for seasoned workers.

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1. Unilever

This company acknowledges the value of the older workforce while making way for younger professionals. Unilever builds a culture where they embrace age differences while balancing the business' demand for new skillsets.

They have programs called “U Work” and “U Renew,” allowing their employees to work shorter hours. They also support their workers financially to enhance their knowledge and skills.

2. PNC Financial Services

At PNC, people are focused on diversity and inclusion. Everyone matters, and workers are provided equal opportunities regardless of age.

They welcome employees at whatever level they are in their career, whether they are recent graduates or experienced professionals. The company offers a wide variety of business areas to match your skills and experiences.

Their fields are asset management, corporate banking, and retail banking.

3. Liberty Tax Service

Liberty Tax is an accounting firm that considers professionals despite their age. They provide competitive compensation and benefits, and they also value work-life balance.

This tax preparation franchise values seasoned workers as they have substantial knowledge in areas that the company needs. Positions include insurance, sales, and management. They also provide training to understand current tax laws better.

4. Vita Needle

In this manufacturing company in Massachusetts, mandatory retirement doesn't exist. After all, most of the workers started working in the factory for their second career. Some used to be bakers, engineers, and nurses.

Vita Needle finds success with experienced employees. Nearly half of the workers in their production are senior citizens. They hire an older workforce since the company perceives them as hardworking, responsible, and loyal.

5. Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII)

Working in this firm can be a life-changing experience for a midlifer. Interestingly, the median age of workers here is 45, with 32% coming from generation X and 35% baby boomers.

The company also offers apprentice programs to its employees of all ages. These help HII to hire and keep their talent. Additionally, they provide cross-generational coaching programs so their workforce can exchange knowledge with their colleagues.

6. AT&T

AT&T is one with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to offer equal treatment to professionals of all ages. They are one of the first employers to sign the Employer Pledge Program.

AT&T believes that age diversity is essential to their company's success. They are committed to giving a fair playing field to employees who are more than 50 years of age.

This multinational conglomerate provides part-time opportunities to those who want to re-enter the labor force, too.

They also support the company's Employee Resource Groups (ERG). One of which has a generational focus known as “>50”. This group is centered on workers ages 50 and older.

7. H&M

This fashion company may serve the younger generation, but it doesn't mean that they walk away from older employees. H&M manages their seasoned workforce just like any other worker.

As an international company, they attribute their success to the contributions of their diverse teams. They have training on inclusion and conduct forums to share employees' challenges.

This clothing retail company also set specific goals to boost diversity in their workplace. In 2025, they aim to reach a minimum of 30% in diversity, age included, in their senior management teams.

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8. CVS Caremark

This health care innovation company encourages their older employees to stay with them. They provide a program called “snowbird” that offers flexibility to their older workforce.

Seasoned employees have the chance to move to a CVS store located in a different region. This means that the workers who are assigned in northern states can transfer to warmer places during winter.

This is a perfect opportunity for older adults who want to stay warm during the colder months.

9. Michelin

Michelin believes that they are a multigenerational company.

This manufacturing company offers a “pre-retirement” program so older adults can have a flexible working arrangement. They allow their workers aged 55 or older to cut their working hours.

Additionally, they have a program called “Returning Retiree,” wherein the company's former employees can go back to business. This leader in tire and mobility opens its doors and rehires its retirees for the firm's short- and long-term contracts.

As part of their exit interview, Michelin asks if the employee would be interested to go back to service after retirement. Afterward, they talk to these people in case there's a project.

Michelin also believes that their experienced workers have extensive knowledge and skills. They don't want years of intellectual capital to go to waste. Around 36% of their employees are 50 or older, and more or less, 9% are more than 60.

10. UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group continues to address ageism in the workplace. It aims for a diverse workforce and hires people of all ages.

This health and well-being company particularly employs ages 50 and older. They have policies and training programs in place, ensuring that mature workers would stay in the company.

UnitedHealth Group also makes an effort to enhance collaboration at work. For instance, all employees must finish an online training course on diversity and inclusion. This topic covers various styles and approaches of employees from different generations.

11. Centrica PLC

This international energy and services company is a 2011 AARP Best Employers for Workers over 50 Awardee. They actively hire professionals from a wide spectrum of ages.

Their experienced workers share their skills and experiences by taking on counseling roles. This aids the company in guiding and strengthening its younger employees.

The company also launched a UK program called “HitReturn,” which targeted workers who took a career break. They sourced senior-level professionals who wanted to return to work and restart their careers.

12. Wegmans Food Markets

This family-owned supermarket chain has employees with ages ranging from 15 to 96. The employees view their coworkers as their second family.

Respect is the foundation of their efforts to embrace diversity. They believe that inclusion is needed to produce excellence.

The company encourages its workers to use their differences to make relationships in the workplace stronger. They should welcome all backgrounds, encourage unique perspectives, and support differing viewpoints.

13. Herman Miller

The “Flex Retirement Program” at Herman Miller allows its employees over 60 to undergo a transition phase into their retirement. This is for a period of six months to two years.

This manufacturer allows their older employees to work shorter hours with scaled back compensation. They let the employee decide on his working hours and employment end date.

This is ideal for those who want to work for reduced hours and still finish a task before retiring.