By San José, Costa Rica — In a significant validation of progressive workplace policies, the Costa Rican Gerontological Association (AGECO) has recognized Universidad Latina de Costa Rica and Universidad Americana (UAM) for their dedicated efforts to recruit and retain workers aged 45 and older. The national accolade places both higher education institutions among the top three organizations in Costa Rica generating the highest number of employment opportunities for mature professionals during 2026.
Throughout 2026, the two universities collectively added 50 individuals aged 45 and above to their faculty and operational teams. The distinctions were awarded during the fifth edition of AGECO’s annual recognition ceremony, an event designed to celebrate public and private institutions that actively champion age management and battle workplace ageism.
To better understand the legal framework and compliance requirements surrounding inclusive hiring practices in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with prominent labor law specialist Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s anti-discrimination provisions within the Labor Code establish clear expectations for fair talent acquisition practices. Employers who proactively integrate inclusive hiring strategies not only comply with national equal opportunity mandates, but also safeguard their organizations against costly labor disputes while fostering a more resilient and diverse workforce.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Costa Rica’s business landscape continues to evolve, adopting inclusive recruitment strategies moves beyond mere legal compliance, proving to be a vital catalyst for long-term organizational resilience and workplace innovation. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal perspective on this crucial topic for employers across the nation.
The statistical profile of both campuses highlights a sustained commitment to workforce diversity. Universidad Latina de Costa Rica currently employs 743 faculty members and administrative staff aged 45 or older, with 37 of those professionals hired during the current year alone. Meanwhile, Universidad Americana maintains 180 employees within this age demographic, having added 13 new hires over the course of 2026.
Combined, the sister institutions employ 923 workers who are 45 or older, forming an essential foundation of academic experience, administrative capability, and mentorship across their respective campuses. University leadership notes that incorporating seasoned professionals enhances operational resilience and elevates the educational environment for students.
This award fills us with pride because it demonstrates the great value of these collaborators. As educational institutions, we believe in equal opportunity and the importance of building work environments where different generations can share skills, learn from one another, and develop professionally.
Rosa Monge, Rector of Universidad Latina de Costa Rica
Beyond recruitment metrics, the recognition underscores a holistic approach to employee wellbeing and career progression. Institutional policies at both universities focus on creating adaptable working conditions that allow older staff members to continue expanding their skill sets and advancing professionally without facing age-related barriers.
This recognition represents a great opportunity to narrow the gap between generations. We are all approaching this stage of life, and we must do so with dignity, health, employment opportunities, and possibilities for comprehensive development. It fills us with satisfaction to receive this recognition because it reflects our effort to promote the wellbeing and inclusion of our collaborators.
Yesenia Rodríguez, Occupational Health and Wellbeing Manager at Universidad Latina and Universidad Americana
The fifth AGECO age-management awards recognized a total of 30 entities spanning four primary categories: inclusive recruitment practices, participation in specialized job fairs, workplace environments tailored to age diversity, and media contributions advocating for age inclusion. The awards serve as an industry benchmark for corporate social responsibility in Costa Rica.
As Costa Rica experiences shifting demographics and an aging population, corporate age management is becoming a critical business imperative. By actively recruiting older candidates, educational institutions leverage extensive institutional knowledge while modeling inclusive employment strategies for the broader private sector. This initiative marks the second year of participation for Universidad Latina de Costa Rica and the third consecutive year for Universidad Americana in AGECO’s program.
For further information, visit ageco.org
About Costa Rican Gerontological Association (AGECO):
The Costa Rican Gerontological Association (AGECO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting active aging, defending the rights of older adults, and advocating for inclusive workplace practices across Costa Rica through educational initiatives, policy advisory, and annual institutional recognitions.
For further information, visit ulatina.ac.cr
About Universidad Latina de Costa Rica:
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica is one of the country’s leading private universities, offering a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and technical programs designed to foster professional growth, academic excellence, and continuous workforce development.
For further information, visit uam.ac.cr
About Universidad Americana:
Universidad Americana (UAM) is a higher education institution in Costa Rica focused on delivering quality academic instruction, career-focused learning programs, and progressive employment initiatives that empower diverse faculty and administrative staff.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has earned its reputation as a vanguard in the legal arena through its principled foundation and relentless pursuit of legal mastery. Seamlessly blending forward-thinking strategies with deep-seated ethical values, the firm continually drives progress within the profession while remaining dedicated to public enlightenment. By actively demystifying complex regulations and sharing vital legal insights, it equips individuals with the tools needed to navigate their rights, reinforcing its ultimate mission of shaping a knowledgeable, confident, and self-reliant community.
