What is W.I.S.E.?
Wisdom. Inclusivity. Synergy. Equity.
The W.I.S.E. Certification is a national program developed by On Your Own Time founder Carolynne Mahood. It recognizes workplaces that actively support and retain experienced workers through inclusive, flexible, and age-positive practices.
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W.I.S.E. is more than just a badge. It is a practical roadmap. Designed to help organizations become employers of choice for seasoned talent, W.I.S.E. empowers companies to build age-inclusive, future-ready workplaces.
What We Do
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Why Age Diversity Matters
With 77% of employers struggling to find skilled talent, ignoring experienced older workers is no longer sustainable. Reliable, capable, and motivated, they remain an underutilized asset. ​
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By 2036, nearly half of Canadians will be aged 55 or older — yet many workplaces are unprepared to support or retain this growing talent pool.
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The data makes a compelling case for age diversity in the workplace:
89%
of employers say older workers perform as well as or better than younger peers
19%
higher revenue​
is generated by age-diverse teams
80%
of the time, diverse teams make better decisions.
2.6x
more likely to retain staff in age-inclusive organizations
7x
longer tenure. Workers aged 65+ stay seven times longer than those aged 20-24
8.4x
more likely to earn recognition from key audiences when DEI is strong.
Why Be W.I.S.E. Certified
HR Consulting Support
Receive expert support from HR professionals to help implement inclusive workplace practices.
Guidance
& Tools
Access tailored reports and action plans based on your certification audit to close age-inclusion gaps effectively.
Resource Library Access
Explore a digital hub of toolkits, research, and templates to support continuous learning and implementation.
Improvement Roadmap
Strengthen your age-inclusion journey with a clear roadmap that tracks progress and guides you toward higher-tier certification.
Media & PR Recognition
Elevate your DEI reputation with visibility on WISE platforms, newsletters, and partner media spotlights.
W.I.S.E. Certification Seal
Publicly demonstrate your commitment to age inclusion with the official seal
Brand & Social Impact
Position your organization as a DEI and ESG leader committed to building inclusive, future-ready workplaces.
Is W.I.S.E. for You?
W.I.S.E. Certification is designed for forward-thinking organizations of all sizes, whether you are already creating age-inclusive practices or actively working toward them. ​
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If your organization strives to:
Build inclusive workplaces for employees of all ages
Recognize experience, skills, and contributions at every stage of the employee lifecycle
Align people practices with broader DEI and ESG values
Value diverse perspectives and life experiences to fuel innovation and better decision-making
Support flexible career pathways and ongoing learning to meet evolving workforce needs
Invest in sustainable, multigenerational teams through thoughtful, continuous improvement
Certification Process
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Express
Interest
Complete the
Self-Assessment
Submit
Supporting Evidence
Fill out our contact form below to get started.
Reflect on your current practices by completing a quick quiz aligned with the WISE pillars.
Eligible organizations provide light documentation to confirm key practices.
Receive
Certification
Bi-Annual
Recertification
Receive the official WISE Certification Seal and gain access to exclusive tools, recognition, and support.
Undergo a review every 24 months to maintain or advance your certification level.
Refine
Practices
If your current level isn’t where you’d like it to be, partner with us to strengthen your practices and work toward a higher tier.