Ageism in the Workplace
- Brittany Crawford
- Jun 19, 2024
- 2 min read
This month marks the 56th anniversary of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), aiming to prevent age discrimination and promote equal employment opportunities. Unfortunately, after 56 years we are still facing problems with age discrimination in the workplace. In the American Association of Retired Persons’ (AARP) 2017 study of age discrimination, 61% of those forty-five (45) and older reported seeing or experiencing age discrimination. Despite both state and federal legislation forbidding it, ageism continues to negatively impact the older workforce. What strategies can you take to avoid age discrimination in your workplace?
Although ageism is a term used to describe prejudice against those forty (40) years of age and older, it can also harm younger employees. Age discrimination typically stems from preconceived notions that a person's age affects their performance ability. Ageism plays a role in the inequalities that older workers experience; it might show up in the hiring process, layoffs, promotions, and career growth options.
Below is a list of various tactics to fight ageism in the workplace:
Reject age-based stereotypes just as you reject stereotypes based on sex, race, disability, etc.
Provide career support and training for employees of all ages.
Educate recruiters and interviewers to assess candidates based on their skills and credentials, rather than making assumptions based on their age, to avoid age discrimination in hiring.
Encourage employees of all ages to contribute their unique perspectives and talents to the organization for equal career advancement opportunities.
Incorporate age in diversity and inclusion projects by building intergenerational teams for wider perspectives during decision-making.
It is essential that you, as leaders in your organization, rewrite the narrative and welcome age diversity in the workplace. Our consulting team is available to answer any questions about combatting age discrimination at work. We also offer in-person anti-harassment and discrimination training that complies with California laws.