The Australian advertising industry is quietly losing professionals over 40 years of age at an alarming rate. On Ageism Awareness Day, we’re releasing The Silent Exit report.
The report from the Experience Advocacy Taskforce (EAT) in partnership with Advertising Industry Careers (AIC) indicates more than half (51.54%) of exits occur between the ages of 45-54 and signal a significant talent drain of experienced professionals from the advertising industry.
The result also showed nearly 70% of those once considered the industry’s “Young Guns” (started in the industry at age 18-24), have left prematurely, with only one respondent retiring from the industry.
Greg “Sparrow” Graham, founder of the Experience Advocacy Taskforce (EAT) and AIC advisory board member, said to ensure the long-term health of the industry we need to eliminate age bias in hiring and prioritise the retention of experienced staff as a measure of success.
“The results clearly indicate the advertising industry is facing a silent, yet significant, talent drain due to ageism and negative perceptions of older workers,” he said.
Adam Elliott, CEO, AIC said: “The alarming trend of experienced professionals leaving the advertising industry is not just a loss of talent; it’s a loss of invaluable insights and creativity. Embracing the expertise of those over 40 is essential to fostering innovation and resilience within our field. We must shift our focus from age as a barrier to age as an asset.”
Click here to access the full report.
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