The Age Friendly Institute has recognized the bank as a 50+ friendly company for its talent management policies and practices.
The certification is based on BBVA's commitment to attracting and retaining employees over the age of 50. "This recognition further strengthens our commitment to generational diversity. At BBVA, we believe that diverse and inclusive teams, where individuals bring different perspectives, lead to better solutions," says Cristina Gabriel, BBVA's Head of Diversity. "By pledging to diverse talent, we make innovation a key driver of the company’s competitiveness. And for teams to be truly diverse, they must involve multigenerational profiles working together," she adds.
The Age Friendly Institute aims to identify companies that are inclusive employers, free of age discrimination, and that value the knowledge, experience, maturity, and productivity of older employees. The certification assessment process involves analyzing several factors, including general engagement policies, corporate culture, workforce composition, talent attraction and retention, work-life balance and flexibility initiatives, training and development programs, as well as employee compensation and benefits packages.
Generational diversity as a priority
BBVA fosters diversity through its Employee Resource Group (ERG), an intrapreneurial initiative where employees from various departments collaborate voluntarily on shared causes or interests, with support from management. In 2023, the working group focused on generational diversity published a guide aimed at training, raising awareness, and addressing ageism and other forms of age-related exclusion. "We believe that training and awareness are crucial to combating any potential biases related to age," explains Cristina Gabriel.
The bank has various initiatives focused on talent mobilization and within its policies for attracting, selecting, and promoting talent. "The most effective employment strategy considers the needs of individuals at every stage of their lives, rather than their age, and offers flexibility and solutions for working efficiently. For example, we provide flexibility in organizing work schedules to accommodate family responsibilities, academic pursuits, and medical needs," she explains.
BBVA applies models that ensure equal treatment of all employees, regardless of gender, sexual identity, orientation, age, race, or any attribute beyond their talent. Removing barriers to diversity is essential for promoting inclusion in the workplace. "One of the initial barriers can be found in job offers themselves. Given the importance of this process, we have provided training for all individuals involved in people management—such as those in recruitment, selection, and mobility—to help them avoid potential biases. "We have even revised the language used in job postings, as certain terms or expressions can discourage underrepresented individuals from applying," she notes.
The bank’s upcoming initiatives in generational matters include maintaining its focus on training and awareness, introducing intergenerational mentoring, and increasing the visibility of professionals over the age of 55. In this context, BBVA has partnered with Fundación Transforma España for the past three years to organize the Added Value Awards. These awards honor the contributions of individuals over 55 and encourage their continued engagement and contribution to society.