Ageism in the Workplace

When it comes to discrimination in the workplace, people tend to think first of racial and gender discrimination. However, there are a number of other protected demographic categories that face discrimination in the workplace and other settings.

For example, a surprising number of American workers reported experiencing age discrimination, according to a recent report by MyPerfectResume.

Rampant Ageism Reports

MyPerfectResume found that 99% of employees aged 40 and older believe ageism exists in some form at work, while 86% say older employees are targets of workplace bullying.

Additionally, the report found that:

• 92% feel pressured to hide their age or downplay their experience to fit in.
• 95% report age-related stereotypes have affected their sense of belonging and inclusion at work.
• 81% say that age stereotypes are alive and well at work.

The report polled 1003 American workers over the age of 40 about their experiences with age biases in the workplace. 

Older Workers Feel the Heat

“The data reveals a stark truth: nearly all older workers surveyed acknowledged that they feel ageism in the workplace, and many say that age-related stereotypes and bullying are eroding their confidence and sense of inclusion,” said Jasmine Escalera, MyPerfectResume career expert. “Workers over 40 are exhibiting behaviors that indicate that they feel their age is something to hide in the workplace.”

In a labor market in which the war for talent remains fierce and in which groups like Baby Boomers and even Gen X are rapidly leaving the labor force, employers can’t afford to alienate older workers.

Employers: Ignore Older Workers at Your Peril

Not only do older workers often possess valuable company and industry experience and knowledge; they also quite simply make up a significant portion of the labor market.

Even if these workers don’t choose early retirement or to move to a new organization in the face of ageism at work, such treatment may lead them to be less engaged and exhibit poor morale.

A lot of attention is justifiably spent looking at racial and gender discrimination. But many employees also experience other forms of discrimination, such as ageism. In an economy in which every employee counts, it’s crucial to avoid alienating any group of people, meaning organizations should take care to address any form of ageism quickly and decisively.

Lin Grensing-Pophal is a Contributing Editor at HR Daily Advisor.

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