Did you know?
36% of people that were interviewed believe that their age is one of the main factors in being rejected for the job. ~ Hiscox
In today’s workforce, more and more older people are facing ageism discrimination than those who belong to the younger generation.
Older employees want to remain in the workforce for a longer time, but ageism discrimination and outdated assumptions are making it tricky for experienced employees to stay in the job. With each passing day, the situation of ageism discrimination is getting worse as the number of older employees is increasing.
As per the recent investigation by ProPublica and the Urban Institute, “56% of workers who’re above 50 were fired from their jobs before they were ready to retire. Some of the common reasons the employees were given during their exit process are:
- “You’re too old to manage the day-to-day demands of the job.”
- “You don’t know the updated processes and technologies.”
- “ We are just downsizing on basis of salaries and benefits.”
Well, this is the common scenario in almost every company. Most companies and their HRs will tell you that there is no ageism in their company, but this isn’t the reality. So, if you think you’re in the clear as you work in a straightforward company, don’t be a fool.
So, what can you do to avoid ageism in the company?
Tips To Deal With Ageism In The Company
If you think your opportunities are being passed to younger employees, you’re left out of a big client’s meeting, or being passed over for raises and promotions, it’s high time for you to think about yourself.
First of all, never assume that you’re in the clear zone. Focus on observing the patterns in your company. If you see someone experiencing ageism discrimination, don’t ignore it and believe that it could never happen to you.
However, if you’re experiencing this, or worry about the possibility, here are some steps you must take to deal with ageism in your company:
#1. Focus on your growth and development. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, and push yourself to do better than the previous day. You can enroll in the latest technology courses or can get a mentor who can help you with your growth.
#2. Project the same level of professionalism as your younger colleagues. We know with time everyone gets comfortable with their position and starts feeling secure. But don’t make your position an excuse to falter in doing your best to represent your company. You should understand that the higher the position you’re in, the more it becomes your responsibility to grow your company.
#3. Lastly, commit to fighting the ageism stereotype. We know some older employees get uncomfortable with consistently changing technology and feel low on energy with time. However, not everyone is similar and they do their best to represent the company. If you see someone dealing with ageism discrimination regardless of their past contribution to the company, raise your voice for them.
#4. Keep your network active and if you experience any discrimination start looking out for options. Spend some time updating your resume on job portals like LinkedIn, Indeed, Canadajobs, and more. Ensure to follow the latest standards so that you don’t get missed in the pool. Lastly, try to stay on top of your career game because it’s one of the best ways to prevent yourself from falling victim to age discrimination.
However, if you don’t want to change your job and raise your voice against discrimination, the best you can do is to take detailed notes. Write down the dates and employees who witnessed the conversation. You can take your detailed notes to an employment lawyer. Your lawyer will assess your situation and advise you on your next steps.
Want to read more content on ageism discrimination, stay tuned to the Alberta TechWorks blog!
