Silver Strategies

Silver Strategies project progress and challenges

Even though much of the third period fell during the summer, we haven’t hit pause. We’re excited to catch up with you and share the latest on how we’re continuing to make workplaces across the Central Baltic region more inclusive for the ageing workforce. Progress has been solid, and despite the usual challenges, we’ve achieved several important milestones.

We have been active in this period and have hosted a workshop, developed new resources and kept communicating with participants and the public, which we will share in the latest project progress update.

International workshop in Estonia

One of the highlights of this period was our first international workshop, held in Tartu, Estonia. This event brought together more than 30 HR professionals from various sectors, creating a unique opportunity for networking, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Participants didn’t just talk about the challenges of managing an age-diverse workforce—they visited companies and saw first-hand how these issues are being addressed.

Practical resources

We know that knowledge is power, especially when it comes to managing a diverse workforce. That’s why our team has been hard at work developing resources for HR professionals. These guides are designed to help organisations identify, monitor, and tackle the unique challenges that come with supporting an ageing workforce. Whether it’s creating more flexible work environments or addressing age-related discrimination, these tools are here to make the journey smoother for everyone involved.

Consultations and their benefits

Another important part of the project has been the consultations we’ve held with participating companies. These sessions have also provided important feedback to us, helping us refine our strategies and ensure we’re addressing the real-world challenges that companies face. It’s not just about listening—it’s about acting on what we hear, and these consultations are steering the project towards even more impactful outcomes.

Expanding our reach

Our work doesn’t stop with the project participants. We’re passionate about spreading the insights and strategies we’re developing to a broader audience. By sharing our findings and best practices we’re helping to shift perceptions about age in the workplace, making sure that more organisations see the value in an age-diverse team.

In June, Silver Strategies project partner, representative of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Piret Potisepp wrote an opinion piece on age discrimination on the biggest Estonian Business newspaper Äripäev. For a short while the article made it into the TOP articles and caused lots of feedback directly to the author. Read the full article in Estonian: https://www.aripaev.ee/arvamused/2024/06/27/piret-potisepp-vanuselisest-diskrimineerimisest-ausalt-ja-otse

In early August, Silver Strategies project partner, representative of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Piret Potisepp and HR manager of the Chamber, Mrs. Airi Neemre from Sokotel Viru attended the radio show called Business Minutes at Radio Kuku (Ettevõtlusminutid KUKU Raadios in Estonia), see pic attached. The topic for the discussion was 55+ workforce at organizations.
The three main values that we want to emphasize from the participating companies:

  1. Awareness: These organizations consciously deal with the 55+ age group and take the time to map their expectations and needs. By mapping, it is also possible to make changes to the work and organizational culture according to these expectations, if necessary.
  2. Valuing diversity: differences are generally respected in these organizations, i.e. they are aware that homogeneous teams are not the ones that create innovation and move the company forward.
  3. Contributing to management culture: It is said that a fish rots from the head. The same goes for organizations. If the top manager says, “It is our custom here in the company not to recruit people older than me”, then what are we talking about!? This particular example is not related to any of the companies participating in the pilot. But rather with a company where LUCKILY there is a fierce HR manager who is ready to break such an attitude (the top manager is 46 years old).

What’s next in Silver Strategies

Looking ahead, we’re gearing up for our next big event: the second international training workshop, which will take place in Pori, Finland. This will be another fantastic opportunity to build on what we’ve learned so far, with more consulting, training, and company. We’re also excited to continue expanding our resources, making sure that all the tools and knowledge we’ve developed are easily accessible to anyone interested.
There’s plenty more to come as we continue our mission to make the workplace a better place for everyone, regardless of age. If you’re curious about how you can get involved or want to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out. And if you know someone who could benefit from what we’re doing, please share the Silver Strategies project with them!

Stay connected

You can keep up with the latest updates and connect with us on our webspace or LinkedIn. We’re always eager to hear from you, whether it’s feedback, ideas, or interest in partnership!