Every year, organisations around the world celebrate a wide range of diversity and inclusion initiatives. These events create opportunities to raise awareness, share experiences and encourage positive action. Yet despite growing recognition of diversity in the workplace, one characteristic continues to receive less attention than many others…Age.

Age influences how people enter the workforce, develop their careers, access opportunities and experience workplace culture. It shapes the experiences of younger workers seeking to establish themselves, mid-career professionals navigating change and older employees looking to continue contributing their skills and expertise…Age affects everyone.

That is why International Age Diversity Day was created. Since its launch in 2019, International Age Diversity Day has provided an opportunity for organisations, leaders and individuals to champion age inclusion and challenge age-based stereotypes wherever they exist.

The movement continues to grow, and in 2026, the theme is simple but powerful – Set Your Benchmark.

Why Age Inclusion Matters Now

The world of work is changing. People are living longer, careers are becoming less linear and organisations are managing increasingly multigenerational workforces. In many workplaces, four generations work side by side, with five generations becoming an emerging reality.

At the same time, labour shortages, technological change and evolving employee expectations are forcing organisations to think differently about talent. Age can no longer be treated as a secondary issue…it is becoming a strategic workforce consideration.

Organisations that fail to recognise the value of age diversity risk overlooking talent, experience and perspectives that are essential for future success. Those that embrace age inclusion are better positioned to attract, retain and develop talent across the entire workforce.

From Awareness to Action

Raising awareness remains important. For many years, age inclusion advocates have worked to challenge stereotypes and encourage organisations to recognise age as an important aspect of diversity.

That work continues, however, awareness alone is not enough. Increasingly, employers are asking practical questions:

  • How age-inclusive are we today?

  • What are we doing well?

  • Where are the gaps?

  • How do we compare with others?

  • What should we do next?

These questions reflect a broader shift taking place across the inclusion landscape.

Organisations are moving beyond statements of intent and seeking evidence of progress…the 2026 theme reflects this evolution.

What Does “Set Your Benchmark” Mean?

At its heart, the theme is about understanding where you are today so that you can improve tomorrow. Every organisation is on its own age inclusion journey, some are just beginning to explore the topic, others have already implemented policies, programmes and initiatives designed to support employees across different age groups.

Regardless of starting point, meaningful progress requires a clear understanding of the current position. A benchmark provides that foundation, it enables organisations to establish a baseline, identify priorities and measure progress over time. Most importantly, it transforms age inclusion from an aspiration into an actionable organisational objective.

Building a Global Conversation

International Age Diversity Day is more than a single event, it is an opportunity to contribute to a global conversation about the future of work and the importance of creating workplaces where people of all ages can thrive.

Each year, organisations participate in different ways, some host awareness sessions, others organise leadership discussions, reverse mentoring programmes, knowledge-sharing activities or employee events.

Many use the day as an opportunity to start conversations that continue long after the event itself. The specific activities may differ, but the objective remains the same, to create workplaces where age is recognised as a source of strength rather than a source of limitation.

The Benchmark Step

To support this year’s theme, International Age Diversity Day 2026 introduces a simple visual symbol – the Benchmark Step. Created using two hands, the gesture represents progress, growth and the journey towards greater age inclusion. One hand forms the foundation, the other creates the next step. Together, they symbolise the idea that meaningful change happens one step at a time. The Benchmark Step provides organisations, teams and individuals with a simple way to demonstrate their commitment to age inclusion and participate in the global campaign.

A Call to Action

International Age Diversity Day was established on a simple belief, that people should be valued for their contribution, potential and experience rather than assumptions associated with age. That belief remains as relevant today as it was when the movement began.

As organisations prepare for International Age Diversity Day 2026, we encourage leaders to ask a simple question – What is our benchmark?

Understanding the answer may be the most important step an organisation takes on its age inclusion journey.

Join the Movement

International Age Diversity Day 2026 takes place on 24 September 2026.

Whether you are an employer, employee, policymaker, educator or advocate, there are many ways to participate. Together, we can continue building workplaces where every generation has the opportunity to contribute, develop and succeed…this year, take the next step…and

Set your benchmark!

Visit to find out more and begin to Set Your Benchmark!