This archive report was first published on 29 June 2020.
Age Discrimination in the Workplace: A Growing Concern ¶
With the COVID-19 pandemic, older employees are being categorized as riskier to infection, leading to potential biases in hiring and restructuring.
Employment laws prohibit discrimination of any nature, but undertones of ageism persist in some organizations. Interview panels may conclude that a candidate is overqualified or not a good cultural fit, often implying that they are too old.
However, there are ways to increase competitiveness and overcome age discrimination. By staying up-to-date with workplace transformation, new technology, and business trends, older employees can demonstrate their value to organizations.
It's essential to avoid looking down on younger generations and instead, offer wisdom and guidance. This can help establish trust and create a positive working relationship.
Ultimately, everyone has a work 'sale-by-date,' and it's crucial to prepare for this moment. Securing an alternative source of income and taking it easy as years go by can help alleviate stress and ensure a smooth transition.