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

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.
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.
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, we are 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.

Learn more or get certified: www.onyourowntime.ca/w-i-s-e
Follow and support us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/on-your-own-time