On February 19, 2026, the AmCham BG Human Capital and Education Committee discussed the very important topic of Workplace Ageism and the role of HR in fostering age-inclusive workplaces. The discussion explored the common myths, key data, and practical approaches across recruitment, learning, and career transitions, with examples of effective practices from local organizations.
Silvia Andreeva, Marketing Director at Syscom Engineering, is a passionate advocate for fighting age discrimination in the workplace. She proposed the topic before the HCE Committee and presented her findings before the HR professionals’ audience on Thursday. Prior, she presented on workplace ageism at DisruptHR Sofia in September 2025, and her talk ranked in DisruptHR’s global Top 5 for three consecutive weeks. Outside of work, she enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding, art history, travel, and spending time with her family.
The second part of the thematic session featured a Business Experience Sharing panel at which Karl Karlov, Senior Manager – Logistic Insights and Automation, HPE, Vesela Koleva, Senior People Development Specialist, Paysafe Bulgaria and Stefaniya Duncheva, Director People and CultureTelus Digital Bulgaria discussed what works in practice and presented their companies lessons learned.
Karl Karlov emphasized that multigenerational teams are not a matter of corporate virtue but of economic rationale – they deliver better results. He highlighted the importance of language, noting that shifting from labels such as “young talent” toward skills- and value-based language changes both internal culture and external perception.
Vesela Koleva presented a four-month global reverse mentorship initiative conducted in 2025 across four locations and involving more than 80 employees of different ages, tenures, and management levels. Designed to encourage shared learning and dialogue, the initiative strengthened empathy and belonging, reduced hierarchical barriers, and led to tangible cultural changes – more inclusive meeting dynamics, age-neutral task delegation, and greater openness to constructive challenge.
Stefaniya Duncheva shared that 20% of the company’s workforce is over 40 and underlined the importance of inclusive employer branding. The language used in job advertisements, the imagery on corporate websites, and even the visibility of age indicators in CVs significantly influence who feels encouraged to apply.
Across the discussion, one message stood out – team leaders are central to tackling age bias. By relying on data rather than assumptions and ensuring fair task distribution and visibility across generations, leaders can turn age diversity into a measurable business asset.
The whole event was moderated by Boyka Docheva, AmCham Human Capital and Education Committee Co-Chair, IBM Bulgaria.
