Americans are living longer, healthier lives and many are choosing to stay in the workforce rather than retire. Most companies recognize and value the knowledge and expertise they bring.
Unfortunately, not all businesses are so welcoming to older workers. In fact, the tech industry is infamous for its ageism practices. But what about other industries? How do you know if your company is guilty of age discrimination?
What is age discrimination?
Age discrimination happens when a company treats an applicant or employee less favorably because of their age. However, it’s illegal and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is a federal law that protects people who are 40 years old and above from employment discrimination because of their age, including hiring, firing, pay, promotions and benefits.
Age discrimination isn’t always blatant because it’s unlikely that any employer will come right out and say that someone is too old for a particular job. Instead, the signs are more subtle.
Consider the language used in your workplace. Oftentimes, seemingly harmless comments can reveal underlying biases. Frequent jokes about your age, inability to keep up with technology, or being out of touch with today’s market can create a hostile workplace. Alternatively, managers may assume you are resistant to change and uninterested in acquiring new skills, leading them to make decisions based on stereotypes rather than your actual performance.
The company may also take steps to quietly fire you. “Quiet firing” is a method of making a job so undesirable that the employee feels their only option is to quit, thus saving the company from having to pay unemployment or large severance packages.
One example is consistently passing you over for promotions and training opportunities in favor of younger, less-experienced colleagues. Your supervisors may assign your key responsibilities or important clients to younger team members while tasking you with unfavorable projects, a less desirable territory or a role with little opportunity for growth.
The law is on your side. If you suspect you are experiencing age discrimination, document all incidents, including date, time, location, what was said or done and who was present. Follow your company’s procedures for filing complaints. This will show that you made a good-faith effort to address the problem. Continue to perform your job to the best of your ability. Meanwhile, reach out to a legal representative for guidance. They can help you explore your options, uphold your rights and protect your career.