Ageism in the workplace is a significant issue that many mature workers might face. It can affect your confidence, job satisfaction, and overall wellbeing, but with the right strategies and support, you can overcome these challenges and continue to thrive in your career.
In this article, we explore what ageism for mature workers looks like in the workplace, share some practical steps for businesses to prevent it, and how to address it if you are experiencing it firsthand.
What is ageism?
According to the World Health Organization, ageism refers to the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age. It is a form of discrimination that occurs when individuals are treated unfairly or differently due to their age and commonly occurs with older individuals.
What does ageism look like in the workplace?
In the workplace, ageism can affect everything from hiring decisions to promotion opportunities, as well as daily interactions with coworkers. It can be direct or less obvious, but in most cases, it undermines the value that mature workers bring to an organisation. Recognising the signs of ageism is the first step in addressing it.
Examples of ageism towards older workers in the workplace
There are many ways ageism may take place at work, with some examples including:
- Stereotyping and making false assumptions based on someone’s age, such as assuming older workers are less tech-savvy or more resistant to change.
- Lacking inclusive hiring practices and deciding not to hire someone because their age might not “fit in” with the rest of the team.
- Holding older employees to unreasonably high standards without allowing the same room for error as younger employees.
- Excluding mature individuals from conversations, meetings, or projects at work, despite their skills and experience.
- Engaging in bullying or harassment through inappropriate comments or insensitive jokes about a person’s age.
- Overlooking someone for a promotion purely due to their age, or only offering training and professional development opportunities to younger employees.
Benefits of hiring mature workers
Hiring mature workers can bring significant benefits to a business, such as bringing their years of experience, diverse perspectives, a strong work ethic, and valuable industry knowledge that can be passed on to colleagues. Employers who recognise these strengths are more likely to create an inclusive and productive workplace. By valuing mature workers, businesses can benefit from a stable and experienced workforce that can contribute to the organisation’s long-term success.
How to prevent ageism at work
Preventing ageism requires a proactive approach from both employers and employees. Strategies to consider include:
- Recognise when discrimination is happening and address it with the person involved or by reporting it to your supervisor, manager, or HR.
- Promote inclusion by creating a workplace culture that values diversity in all its forms, including age. To do this, employers can offer training and implement inclusive policies to ensure everyone feels safe and respected.
- Use inclusive in both internal and external communications, avoiding age-related stereotypes. For example, use “experienced team members” instead of “senior team members”.
- Challenge stereotypes by recognising the skills of mature workers and giving them equal opportunities to grow in their careers.
- Encourage collaboration between workers of all ages to break down barriers and learn from one another. This helps to foster mutual respect and understanding.
What to do if you’re experiencing ageism at work
If you believe you’re experiencing ageism at work, it’s important to take action immediately. Here’s what you can do:
- If you feel comfortable, start by addressing the issue directly with the person involved. It may be possible they don’t realise their behaviour is inappropriate or hurtful.
- If that approach doesn’t work, consider bringing it up with your supervisor, manager, or HR department.
- During this process, try keeping a record of any instances of ageism, including dates, times, and details of what occurred. Having this documented can be useful in case you need to escalate the issue further.
- Know your rights when it comes to age discrimination in the workplace. In Australia, you have the right to a fair and respectful working environment.
- Reach out to your support networks, whether that’s within your organisation or through external resources like in-person or online support groups, or if necessary, a legal team for advice.
How WISE helps find jobs for mature age workers
WISE understands the unique challenges that mature workers face in the job market. As part of Inclusive Employment Australia, we offer free employment support for mature workers aged 50+ who have disabilities, injuries or health conditions, and support them into meaningful employment. For many older workers, securing a job means that they can enjoy a self-sufficient and fulfilling life. We take a focused, consultative approach to meet with you, and find the best job for your needs.
If you or someone you know is over 50 and looking for meaningful employment, please visit Jobs and Careers for People Over 50, or explore our Programs and Services to see how we can support you in achieving your vocational or employment goals.