B2 – Upper Intermediate
In the fast-paced setting of modern corporate culture, the worth of professional experience can be overshadowed by a greater emphasis on youth and innovation. A quiet revolution, however, is taking place in a few select companies across the United States, where a fresh point of view is becoming apparent. These progressive business organizations are cognizant of the wealth of knowledge, skill, and perspective that middle-aged and senior employees can contribute to the company. They have made a brave move by creating committed Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) intended particularly for this group in an environment where such appreciation can be hard to find.
Click on the link to learn more about how these groups are not only remarkable, but also a prime example of the significant impact that inclusivity and valuing diversity of age can have on a company’s success and advancement.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/age-erg-employee-resource_l_65144e33e4b0fa72d69d630f
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “entrenched” mean, “Ageist stereotypes are deeply entrenched in society: Older age still gets automatically associated with physical and cognitive decline at work.”? Use this in your own sentence.
- What does “umbrella company” mean in the sentence, “Since then, Sages has grown into a business resource group within the umbrella company of Publicis Groupe; it has over 300 members.”? Use this in your own sentence.
- What does “sandwich generation” mean in the sentence, “Tom Hamrick, the group’s president, said what separates his ERG from others at the company is that members are part of the “sandwich generation”.”? Use this in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What motivated these companies to establish dedicated Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for middle-aged and senior employees?
- How do these ERGs differ from more traditional diversity and inclusion initiatives within these companies?
- Can you provide examples of specific programs or activities that these ERGs organize to support midlife and senior employees? Please share.
- What benefits have these companies observed as a result of creating spaces that value the contributions of older employees? Expand on that.
- What challenges, if any, have these companies encountered in establishing and maintaining these specialized ERGs? Tell me more.
- Share your thoughts on this, “Being older at work is still seen as something to hide.”..