There has been a trend in recent years of older adults re-entering the workforce. Reasons for this vary. It may be a combination of longer life expectancy and decreased savings or boredom after a few years of retirement, leading to a desire to try out a different career.
These older adults can bring years of knowledge and experience to the workplace. Unfortunately, age discrimination is a reality for many of them.
Age discrimination is illegal
Age discrimination involves treating an applicant or employee less favorably because of their age. Older adults are often viewed as being less adaptable or tech savvy. Therefore, they’re frequently overlooked when a company is hiring or looking to promote employees.
Age bias isn’t always obvious and can sometimes be difficult to identify. Here are some key areas where discrimination may occur:
Hiring
Ageism can show up before a person even applies for a job. Job advertisements with phrases such as “seeking digital natives,” “perfect for recent graduates” or “fast-paced environment” tend to discourage older adults from applying. During the interview process, some organizations may bypass older candidates based on the assumption that they possess outdated skills or may struggle to learn new ones.
Promotions
Older employees may be passed up for promotions or leadership opportunities, even though they have more experience and are better qualified than their younger colleagues.
Workplace culture
Older workers can feel isolated in a workplace that promotes a youth-centered environment. Being excluded from happy hour gatherings or prioritizing activities geared toward a younger population, such as social media-driven initiatives, can marginalize them.
Layoffs and terminations
Older employees are often the first to be targeted for layoffs during downsizing. Incentive packages for early retirement give credence to the stereotypes that they’re more expensive to retain or less valuable than younger staff.
Fortunately, there are laws that protect older adults in the workplace. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects individuals aged 40 and older. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces the ADEA and investigates complaints of age discrimination.
You have the right to work in an environment free from any type of discrimination, including discrimination related to age. If you suspect you are being discriminated against, discuss your concerns with your human resources department. If they fail to address the issue, it’s wise to get legal guidance to discuss your options and help ensure that your rights are protected.
