WORKPLACE AGE DISCRIMINATION

Only about half of Americans work continuously throughout their 50s, according to an analysis of Health and Retirement Study data by researchers Beth Truesdale, Lisa Berkman, and Alexandra Mitukiewicz in the recent book, Overtime: America's Aging Workforce and the Future of Working Longer. Earlier this summer, Barron’s published an article that put these statistics into perspective.? The article shares data that suggests that if you aren’t working steadily through your 50’s, you are less likely to do so beyond then.? And then most of the article talks about how to get ahead of a potential downturn of income by preparing for that eventuality. Useful information no doubt, but hardly strikes at the problem.

Both younger and older workers are discriminated against because of their age. AARP research found that 62% of working women aged 18-plus have reported experiencing age discrimination, for being either "too young" or "too old." In some industries, unfair treatment directed at older workers begins as early as the 40s. But, when people hit their 50’s, there is a growing gap between what people are capable of doing and attitudes towards them.?

This has implications for millions of Americans and the U.S. economy. An AARP report found that age discrimination against workers age 50 and older cost the economy $850 billion in 2018.?

Let’s dive into some of the statistics behind workplace age discrimination.? According to AARP’s Value of Experience Survey, 64% of workers age 40+ have witnessed or experienced age discrimination in the workplace. ? The percentage of workers experiencing discrimination since turning 40 is 48% — and, even more shocking, is 54% for Latinos.??

Workers age 40+ report having been passed up for a promotion or a chance to get ahead at a rate of 22%.? While this number may seem low by comparison, it is still a significant number of individuals reporting how age discrimination has impacted their professional advancement opportunities, placing them at an overall disadvantage.?

AARP also found that 41% of workers 40+ said they have experienced some type of age discrimination in the past 3 years.? This percentage for Latinos is even higher at 51%.

But, lack of professional advancement isn’t the only hurdle older adults face in the workplace; older adults also face challenges when applying to a new job. The survey reports that more than half (53% of 40+ workers) were asked by an employer to provide their birthdate, graduation date(s) or other age-related information on an application or in an interview.?

? And on the job, negative comments about age at the workplace are fairly common: Since turning 40, 24% of workers age 40-plus have heard negative comments about their age from a colleague. What’s more striking is that older workers rarely report age discrimination. Some feel reporting wouldn’t make a difference, while others fear that the risks of doing so may far outweigh revealing the root of the problem.?

Age discrimination is prevalent in today’s workforce, and it is clear that the consequences are even greater for Latinos. But there are organizations like AARP who are fighting to strengthen laws fighting age discrimination and increase worker protections nationwide. In addition, AARP’s Employer Pledge Program? is? working with more than 1,800 employers across the country to foster more age-diverse workforces that value experienced workers.? Savvy employers understand that having a workforce that includes diversity across generations is a competitive advantage.?

Even as technology tools proliferate, we know that there are human skills that cannot be replaced - like the innovative spark that comes from diverse teams. Age inclusivity can help a business remain competitive and help position the next generation to succeed as well. Yet an AARP survey of global business leaders found that less than half of employers with a workforce diversity and inclusion strategy included age as an element of that strategy.

AARP? has a wealth of resources for experienced workers searching for new roles or looking to stay competitive in their current ones. I encourage you to spend some time digging through the wealth of information and resources they have gathered. They are clearly right about one thing: all workers should be treated fairly based on their qualifications, not their age. Ageism is a battle that needs to be fought by and for all ages. Get the facts and let’s change attitudes and actions. Visit aarp.org/work for more information on age discrimination.?

“This post is sponsored by AARP”