The Innovation Foundation joins ProAge as a Founding Member
The Innovation Foundation, empowered by the Adecco Group, creates practical solutions to enhance employability and labour market access for underserved populations. As a Social Innovation Lab, they identify and address labour market challenges using research and design thinking to develop ground-up solutions.
Recognizing population ageing as a critical issue, the Innovation Foundation focuses on supporting workers over 50, who face growing challenges in finding or retaining jobs due to ageism and labour market barriers. As people live longer, many need to work longer, whether for financial reasons or personal fulfilment. The Innovation Foundation aims to address these challenges, ensuring equitable work opportunities for older workers.
Their Mature Workers Project identified four key barriers to quality jobs for older workers: the cycle of ageism and loss of confidence, systemic biases, myths undervaluing older workers, and overlapping financial, social, and health challenges. The project focuses on men aged 50 -65 in trades like construction and manufacturing, who are particularly vulnerable. The Innovation Foundation is developing targeted interventions to help these individuals re-enter the job market by addressing both employee and employer needs.
The Mature Workers Project is a key initiative for the Innovation Foundation, enhancing our efforts to support at-risk youth and help women re-enter the workforce. ProAge's commitment to creating workplaces that value the skills and experiences of older workers aligns seamlessly with our objectives. Together with other ProAge members, we are piloting innovative strategies to foster more opportunities for older workers to more fully participate in the labour market. We are excited to deepen our collaboration and look forward to working together in the coming months.
Cynthia Hansen
Managing Director
The Innovation Foundation
"As retirement ages rise, men in physically demanding jobs face significant challenges and barriers in the labour market. Unfortunately, discussions about extending working lives often overlook these workers, focusing instead on office-based roles with more flexible options. The Mature Workers Project aims to create a lasting impact by deepening our understanding of these issues and developing practical solutions. I am proud to have the Innovation Foundation join us, as their partnership will greatly benefit our organization and other members," says Mike Mansfield, CEO of ProAge.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a member, please follow this link.