Calls for workplace ‘intergenerational’ cooperation
New, positive strategic approaches would help Australians of all ages overcome the social and economic divisions that affect Australia’s economy and the relationships between generations.
Age Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Ryan, encourages older and younger generations in Australia to work together.
Introducing a forum on ‘intergenerational cooperation’ in Sydney last week, Age Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Ryan, said encouraging older and younger generations in Australia to work together in supporting one another would deliver clear economic and social benefits to Australia and innovate workplaces.
Commissioner Ryan noted that the last intergenerational report stated that the “central plank” of responding to the ageing population was to support stronger economic growth, which was a function of “productivity, participation and population”.
“We know what doesn’t work – intergenerational conflict, age discrimination and stereotyping,” she said. “We know what does – enhancing productivity, personal fulfilment, intergenerational cooperation, and working together.”
Commissioner Ryan added that intergenerational animosity, often driven by media reports and sometimes by policy settings, was a real threat to social cohesion and to the ability of everyone working together productively – particularly when the retirement age may be raised to 70.
She said the main areas of discussion in the forum related to government policy and discourse, to workplaces and businesses and to tackling negative stereotypes and age discrimination across generations.
“We need those who lead the discussion to reframe the language used for describing Australia’s ageing population and ensure we are looking for opportunities that will provide us with good practice, strong leadership and innovative policy,” Commissioner Ryan said.
“We need to learn about ideas which will ensure good practice leads to overall culture change across the workforce.”
