If You're Not Young You're Too Old
That’s what workers over 50 are made to think. The workplace values Millennials over experienced workers.
Ageism is an unspoken yet real workplace issue.
Twenty percent of workers in the U.S. is 55 or older. Sixty-four percent claim they have experienced age discrimination in the workplace. Fifty-eight percent believe age discrimination begins in their 50s. (AARP)
They are slow to adopt new technology. They can’t multitask. They can’t hustle and get things done. These are discriminatory misperceptions.
There was a time when experience was valued. Younger workers were told they didn’t have enough experience. Now workers over 50 are too experienced. Recruiters recommend they shorten their work history and delete graduation dates on their resume.
Of course, older workers are not told overtly, “you are too old for this position.” It is subtle. And it is extremely difficult to prove. But it is happening.
Ageism works both ways. We shouldn’t discriminate against younger workers either. The deciding factor should be who is the most qualified and the right fit for the job.
This is also a universal issue. Ageism impacts all people groups, regardless of race or heritage. All of us are getting older.
Some organizations don’t even try to hide ageist employment practices. They boast their organization is youthful.
Visit organizational career websites. View photos on company marketing materials. Which people group is highlighted? Mostly young, good looking people.
Doing What I Love
6 年I enjoy every single age in my career and will continue to enjoy! Ageism had been around a long, long time! When I was in my 20's, I almost believed someone telling my that I was"too young", so I wore a hat for about a month to look older. I then decided that I didn't have to believe that person and decided I wouldn't let outside opinions control how I did things. I believe I will always be a millinial in a baby boomers body!!
Director of Human Resources
6 年Agreed. Definitely seems to be a growing problem.
My intention is to take my passion, drive, and perseverance and utilize my strengths and expertise to energize your community or organization’s future growth and development.
6 年Indeed it is. The young get hired with less experience and get paid lower wages. The experienced, mature woman with great skills get left behind. The payback is the constant turnover in staff and increased cost of recruiting. This is an epedemic in Healthcare and it needs to stop.