Building manager confidence is key to ensuring consistent age inclusion in businesses, say experts

Experts from Ciphr and ProAge have called for employers to give more support to managers leading multigenerational teams, after research found many organisations do not have a clear approach to age inclusion. 

The study found most organisations saw the benefits of age-diverse teams, with 88% citing broader experience, 81% better knowledge sharing, 71% improved succession planning and 69% stronger problem-solving. 

Despite this, only 21% of employers had age-inclusive recruitment policies, and just over half of large organisations formally tracked age diversity in their workforce.

The research showed differences in communication styles and ways of working were the biggest barriers to collaboration between generations. 

Half of organisations said their managers were somewhat confident leading multigenerational teams, but only 23% said they were very confident. 

Among large organisations with 250 to 999 staff, 34% said they did not know how confident their managers were.

Mike Mansfield, CEO at ProAge, said: “Age inclusion is no longer a future workforce issue – it is already shaping how organisations collaborate, retain knowledge and support people through longer working lives. 

“This report shows that employers recognise the value of multigenerational teams, but now need to turn that awareness into practical action.