The W.I.S.E. Program: Harnessing Experience to Build Stronger, Safer Workplaces

Details: Published: 28 August 2025

Across Canada, many older adults who want or need to keep working are being overlooked, not because they lack ability but because of ageism. Ageism shapes how society views and values older people, and over time, negative stereotypes and exclusionary practices can lead to isolation, loss of independence, and vulnerability, increasing the risk of elder abuse. By addressing ageism early, especially in workplaces, we can help prevent these harms and ensure older adults remain respected, engaged, and valued.

After stepping away from her full-time role, Carolynne Mahood, a seasoned HR leader with decades of experience, wasn’t ready to stop contributing.

“I wasn’t done. I still wanted to learn and work in some capacity — just not the 9-to-5 grind,” she recalls.

In conversations with friends and former colleagues, she kept hearing the same story: experienced professionals were struggling to find meaningful, flexible opportunities. To help, Carolynne created On Your Own Time, a job-matching service for experienced workers. But she soon realized the issue ran deeper — it wasn’t just about matching people with jobs, it was about tackling systemic ageism. She recognized that real progress required changing the system that allowed ageism to persist.

Turning frustration into a framework

That realization led Carolynne to launch W.I.S.E. (Wisdom, Inclusivity, Synergy, and Equity) — Canada’s first workplace certification program focused on age inclusion. Developed through On Your Own Time, W.I.S.E. was built to be both impactful and accessible. wise submark logo final

Rather than offering an overly complex certification that can discourage participation, or a pledge that doesn’t lead to action, W.I.S.E. provides a simple, practical, and encouraging process that organizations of all sizes can join. It’s supportive, free, and designed to help employers take tangible steps toward inclusion while meeting them where they are.

How W.I.S.E. Works

W.I.S.E. is not just about improving optics — it’s about creating meaningful, lasting change. The program guides employers through a supportive review of their hiring language, benefits, training opportunities, and workplace culture.

3d gold seal Employers who complete the W.I.S.E. process receive:

Tailored recommendations to close gaps, along with expert consulting to guide implementation
Inclusive hiring resources to attract and retain experienced talent
A public certification badge signalling to older job seekers: you are welcome here

With three certification tiers, organizations can start at their current level and work toward higher recognition with ongoing support from the W.I.S.E. team.

Leading the Way

The urgency is clear: 700,000 skilled tradespeople are expected to retire by 2028. Without action, this loss of institutional knowledge and technical skill will leave critical gaps in the labour market.

One company already making progress is Voltech Fire Protection Services, a BC-based business specializing in fire prevention and safety systems. In a male-dominated, aging industry, Voltech recognized the need to keep experienced workers engaged. They partnered with W.I.S.E. to review their hiring practices, adjust benefit flexibility, and strengthen their workplace culture.

Currently, W.I.S.E. is collaborating with Voltech to help them advance from Silver to Gold certification, ensuring they continue to lead in age inclusion and set an example for others in their sector.

“Participating in the W.I.S.E. Certification process was a valuable experience for Voltech. It gave us the opportunity to reflect on our current practices and highlight the ways we already support inclusivity across different ages and experiences in our workplace. We are proud to have achieved the certification, and this recognition reinforces our ongoing commitment to building a supportive and inclusive culture. The feedback and recommendations provided will help guide us as we continue to grow and strive for higher levels of certification in the future.”

— Ashleigh Stokes, Operations Manager at Voltech Fire Protection

By helping employers rethink how they hire, train, and retain talent, W.I.S.E. is tackling ageism head-on, and proving that when every generation has a seat at the table, everyone benefits.