The Age-Friendly Institute and New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well (NJAAW) have launched a new partnership aimed at promoting age-inclusive employment practices in New Jersey. The initiative, funded by a grant, will work over the next year to recruit and certify 12 to 15 employers in the state as Certified Age-Friendly Employers (CAFE).
The program seeks to address a gap in workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts by focusing on age, a segment often overlooked despite its rapid growth in the workforce. In New Jersey, more than two million residents are over the age of 60, with at least a quarter of them still working. The initiative comes as businesses continue to face workforce shortages that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This partnership represents a significant step forward in transforming New Jersey workplaces," said Tim Driver, President of the Age-Friendly Institute.
"We've seen tremendous success with our cohort model in Nova Scotia, where tourism industry employers achieved remarkable results in attracting and retaining older workers. New Jersey employers now have the opportunity to become pioneers in age-inclusive employment practices."
The CAFE certification offers employers a structured approach to improving hiring, training, and retention practices for employees aged 50 and older. The program is designed to help businesses address ongoing staffing challenges by tapping into the experience of older workers.
"While New Jersey employers rightfully focus on DEI practices in the workplace, aging is usually not included in the diversity perspective," said Cathy Rowe, Executive Director of NJAAW.
"This project will highlight the importance of older workers, demonstrate cost-effectiveness, and help solve workforce shortages by providing employers with the tools and recognition they need to tap into this experienced talent pool."
The CAFE program was established in 2006 and has certified hundreds of employers across different industries. Its success in Nova Scotia led to expanded adoption and discussions about implementing it across Canada.
The new initiative supports New Jersey's Age-Friendly Blueprint, specifically Recommendation #8, which encourages obtaining credentials like CAFE to show support for older employees. It also builds on state legislation passed in 2021 that eliminated mandatory retirement, reflecting New Jersey's commitment to age-inclusive employment. The project is funded by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Human Services Age-Friendly Project Grants.
NJAAW and the Age-Friendly Institute will work together to recruit businesses from across North, Central, and South Jersey, ensuring a diverse group of participants by industry and size. Selected employers will receive guidance through the certification process, networking opportunities, recognition as leaders in age-inclusive employment, and access to training and resources from the Age-Friendly Institute.
Employers interested in participating can contact NJAAW at office@njaaw.org or reach out directly to Cathy Rowe at crowe@njaaw.org.
NJAAW is the only statewide nonprofit dedicated solely to advocating for policies and services that help older adults live independently in their communities. The Age-Friendly Institute is recognized as a leading authority on age-friendly employment practices.
