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Report: The City of Los Angeles steps up efforts to be more inclusive of the older worker

A new report lays out a plan to bridge the gap between the city’s employers and experienced workers
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In Los Angeles, there are almost a million adults aged 55 and over, accounting for 25% of L.A.’s population as well as 20% of the city’s workforce. The city has released a report – AdvantAGE LA: A Blueprint for Employing, Retaining, and Advancing Older Workers Across LA – “dedicated to the employment, retention, and advancement of older workers.”

In a statement, the City of Los Angeles explains, “In partnership with AARP, the City of Los Angeles is set to launch the transformative Age-Inclusive 101 training program with employers citywide, reinforcing its commitment to fostering inclusive work environments.

“Both the City and County are dedicated to advancing AARP’s Employer Pledge Program, which not only bridges the gap between companies and experienced workers but also empowers older professionals to secure meaningful and fulfilling careers.”

Mayor Karen Bass notes, “This report proactively develops a plan that serves our older workers while also identifying the policies we need to implement to continue leading the way. We must do all we can to support older adults and provide opportunities to thrive.”

Components of AdvantAGE LA include:

  • A demographic analysis of Los Angeles’ older workers
  • Identifying the needs and challenges older workers face
  • Offering of an economic rationale for an older worker strategy
  • Best practices and model programs for employing, retaining, and advancing older workers
  • Evaluation of Los Angeles’ current workforce programs serving older workers
  • Labor market analysis and employment opportunities for older workers
  • Five time-specific goals to increase successful outcomes for older workers, promote age-inclusive workplaces, ensure culturally competent services, and offer in-demand training and career advancement opportunities.

The plan is the result of input from a variety of stakeholders including “older adults, community leaders, [city] agency staff, subject matter experts, and existing programs.”

Among the goals laid out by the plan, “create and provide in-demand training, upskilling, and earn-and-learn opportunities to enhance career success for older workers.” The plan notes four industries that can potentially provide significant opportunities for older workers:

  • Health care and social assistance
  • Education
  • Hospitality, tourism, and leisure
  • Customer service

To implement the report’s calls to action, the plan calls for:

  • Create a collaborative entity to establish and track all recommendations
  • Name dedicated City staff to manage and implement the recommendations
  • Collect and use data about older workers when making decisions about resource allocation and programs
  • Embed input from older adults in department and agency strategic plans, budgets, and priorities
  • Create regional collaboration to advocate for policy changes that will support older workers

“This initiative is about meeting employer needs and assisting older workers, but it’s also about valuing the experience and skills that older workers bring to the table and directly confronting ageism. We are committed to making Los Angeles a leader in age-inclusive employment practices,” says Patricia Pérez, Workforce Development Board member and chair of the AdvantAGE LA taskforce in a released statement during the plan’s unveiling.

You can read the full report – AdvantAGE LA: A Blueprint for Employing, Retaining, and Advancing Older Workers Across LAhere.