Let's Challenge Age Perception In The Workplace And Events!
Gabrielle Austen-Browne FRSA (she/her)
Award-Winning DEI Consultant | Implementing Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion Strategies in Events & Beyond | Mentor | Speaker | Legacy Creator
Crafting events that resonate with every generation is a dynamic challenge we all face. But fear not!?This month we've been exploring how to create exceptional experiences that leave no one behind.
Do You Feel Empowered To Bridge The Generational Gap?
Hello and welcome to our second Linkedin newsletter.
This month's campaign is all about challenging age perception at work and in events.?So let's start with events...
We firmly believe that the true magic ? lies in fostering connections that transcend age barriers.?Let's bring generations together and explore innovative concepts that go beyond superficial interactions. 'Buddy schemes' and inclusive roundtables are just a couple of examples of what we could implement, but why not challenge ourselves to think bigger??How we can proactively design inclusive spaces and incorporate intergenerational activities that foster a profound sense of belonging and engagement??As always, we would love to know your thoughts on this.
This week we also explore how age diversity can be a catalyst for innovation in the workspace. We believe this requires nurturing a culture that values wisdom, fresh perspectives, and experiences of all team members.
So how do we uncover the key to creating a harmonious work environment where everyone's voices are heard and celebrated??
?? New Interview Alert ??
Meet?Mariska Kesteloo ???, the passionate founder of?Word of MICE , an international speaker, and author who joined us for our 2nd episode for Challenging Age Perception Month ??
In this episode?and Mariska and I discuss some thought-provoking topics, including:
?? Enhancing inclusivity and challenging bias in the events industry
??? The unique challenges mature professionals face in this field
?? Embracing intergenerational connections for growth and understanding
The Generation Gap
The generation gap can often stem from differing cultural norms and perspectives that each generation brings to the workplace. For example, it can be perceived that the older generations tend to prefer more formal communication and feedback, while younger generations are more adaptable to change and desire greater work-life balance. These disparities and outdated thinking can lead to misunderstandings and hinder collaboration.
To bridge the generation gap teams should foster an inclusive environment that values diverse viewpoints. Encouraging intergenerational collaboration and mutual respect allows teams to leverage the strengths of each generation. Establishing open communication to understand varying needs and preferences is key.
Yes, this can present challenges but also opportunities. Embracing generational diversity as a catalyst for creativity and success allows teams to thrive. With intention and effort to empathise and find common ground, the generation gap can be transformed from a dividing force to a unifying strength.??
What To Do If You Hear An Ageist Comment ??
Ageist comments and stereotypes have no place in inclusive work environments! So what can you do?
When you hear an ageist remark, first take a moment to respond calmly but firmly, highlighting the need to respect people of all ages. Then, educate others by sharing facts, experiences, and stories that challenge assumptions and demonstrate the value of diversity.?
As event professionals, we must create welcoming spaces where everyone feels safe and represented. This requires having policies, procedures, and training in place to address discrimination. We cannot brush off prejudiced comments, but should prioritise inclusive education to help challenge ageism.
Promoting diversity and belonging is an ongoing process that requires intention and effort. By embracing the beauty of our differences and curating experiences that unite generations, we can ignite meaningful connections.
Why not utilise Challenging Age Perception Month to re-evaluate our own biases and commit to building event cultures where no one feels excluded because of age, because, our industry depends on bringing people together across differences to foster creativity and community.
Incase you are completely new to Diversity Alliance ? we thought we would let you know that we share other content too. Each month we deliver a new campaign that focuses on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility. We speak with event industry icons, EDI experts and individuals with lived experience that share knowledge and insights around how we can make our workplaces and events more inclusive and accessible.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and our Podcast "Diversity Alliance Talks" to never miss an episode.
NEXT UP NEURODIVERSITY AWARENESS MONTH:
We will be speaking with Body Positive and ADHD influencer, Shareefa J (she/her) and Daniel Brooke who is a Neurodiversity specialist supporting neurodivergent people in the workplace.
You can also catch our full podcast episode with Claire Derrick Here
Our Founder Has Been Nominated For An Award!
Gabby, has been nominated for a prestigious MBCC Award, in the Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion category! The MBCC Awards is a national awards ceremony that recognises and celebrates unsung heroes in business and in the community.
So that she can make it to the next stage, we need your help.
Please can you vote for her at?www.mbccawards.com/vote ?- it takes literally two seconds.
Thank you ? ??
NEW's, NEW's, NEW's
M&IT Magazine recently released its First Look Research, shedding light on the often-overlooked challenge of menopause and its profound impact on the events industry.
Gabby attended a menopause roundtable event with M&IT earlier in the year where everyone shared their stories and experiences of menopause ??
?? We strongly encourage you to delve into this groundbreaking research to gain a comprehensive understanding of the stigma surrounding menopause, which continues to hinder the progress of numerous women in the workplace.
?? We hope to see changes within the industry when it comes to Menopause awareness, policies and support in events.
Comment if you have read the report yet! ??
With Passion & Purpose, Gabby ??
Founder & Director DIVERSITY ALLIANCE