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Age Discrimination at the Workplace
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Age Discrimination at the Workplace
Age discrimination abounds at many workplaces worldwide. Over two-thirds of adults
above the age of 50 believe that ageism exists and keeps becoming worse (Vise, 2024). As the
global labor pool ages, some people believe that they become less competent in terms of
innovation and motivation. Depending on the profession, age discrimination occurs in different
ways such as pay cuts, lack of promotions, and negative evaluations, and demotions.
Elderly workers in environments where ageism is rampant face constant threats of layoffs
and are denied chances of career advancement. They are often left out of innovative projects that
can improve their prospects of clinching leadership roles. Therefore, they find it difficult to ever
get promoted. As one nears retirement, they are often perceived as less ambitious and out of
touch with modern trends (Vise, 2024). A workplace culture of marginalizing workers based on
their age is antiquated and impacts the overall performance of an organization negatively.
Ageism also occurs at workplaces during the recruitment and selection of new
employees. Despite their diverse experience and skill sets, older job applicants are overlooked in
favor of their younger counterparts. This is caused by stereotypes such as older workers being
believed to be less adaptable and tech-savvy (Berger, 2021). When employers make biased
decisions based on age, they mistreat qualified workers and end up hiring incompetent people. In
some rare cases, younger candidates also face ageism due to assumptions such as lack of
experience and incompetence.
Apparently, ageism is a sad reality in many workplaces that is fueled by baseless
stereotypes and assumptions. It affects both the young and elderly, although older workers face it
more often than their younger colleagues. Discrimination based on age is experienced through
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lack of promotions, threats of dismissal, and pay cuts. It is very common despite being unlawful
and counterproductive.
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References
Berger, E. (2021). Ageism at work. University of Toronto Press.
Vise, D. (February 11, 2024). Older workers fund a less tolerant workplace: Why many say age
discrimination abounds. USA Today.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/02/11/older-workers-see-rampant-age-
discrimination/72526697007/
