Unfortunately, despite global pushes for workplace equality and anti-harassment campaigns, these incidents do still occur at many workplaces.
Age discrimination is just one of many forms that discrimination can take, and it can have a huge negative impact on older workers.
Discrimination in the hiring process
AARP takes a look at discrimination among workers aged 50 and older. 9 in 10 persons over the age of 50 votes in favor of strengthening anti-discriminatory measures against older adults in the workplace.
The hiring process is one of the areas where discrimination is the most present. 15 percent of the people interviewed stated that they believed they did not get at least one position due to their age, rather than any other potential cause.
Over 50 percent of those surveyed also mentioned that the employer asked for a date of birth at some point during the interview. Just below 50 percent also stated that their employer asked for their graduation date.
Unfortunately, these questions are often not available for opt-out, in the same way that gender or ethnicity-based questions often are these days. This can make it seem like a potential set-up for discrimination.
Discrimination while on the job
Over 60 percent of respondents stated that they believed older individuals experienced discrimination due to age even after getting hired, too. On top of that, 30 percent reported hearing coworkers make negative or even derogatory remarks about colleagues based on age.
This sets a pretty clear picture that ageism is alive and thriving in the workplace, and that there is still much work needed to prevent it.
