Workplace ageism for all: How to combat job-seeking stigmas

Workplace ageism is widely discussed when it comes to older workers, but not always for younger ones. However, both ends of the spectrum have had inaccurate assumptions made about them. While we all wish the world would change overnight for the better, we want to provide job seekers and current workers with data and strategies to combat this discrimination now.

Workplace ageism based on generation

"Another widespread ageist belief is generational stereotyping (e.g., millennials’ technologically savvy, baby boomers’ resistance to change), which overlap with many age stereotypes (Perry et al., 2013) and are regularly promoted through media and literature (e.g., newspapers, trade publications, market reports) business leaders commonly access (Kroon et al., 2016; 2018)."⁷

A specific type of discrimination occurs when people are grouped into categories. Unfortunately, though generations are an arbitrary way that we sort people by birth year, they result in generalizations that can be incredibly harmful in the working world.

While grouping can help with studying people, it isn't an effective way to deduce individual potential.

Ageism against older workers

The wide impact of ageism

The statistics Forbes focused on in their ageism article are alarming.

• 86% of older employees have been bullied.¹
• 92% of older workers have felt pushed to conceal their age and diminish their experience.¹
• 88% of older employees have made adjustments to how they behave, including the language they use, to better integrate with younger colleagues.¹

If these numbers hold true for the rest of the population, it's reasonable to think that almost all older workers have experienced some form of ageism.

Clear bias in the workplace

"Resume Builder surveyed 800 hiring managers across the United States and found that 38 percent of them admitted to reviewing applications with age bias."²

An aging workforce that isn't being respected

"The average age of the labor force has steadily increased, from 39 years in 1990 to a projected 42.6 years in 2029. At the same time, the labor force is also becoming more age diverse, which may fuel workplace ageism."⁶

The modern workforce includes many people deemed "older." About one quarter of the current cohort is 55+.³ With lifespans extending, we are living and working in a time where age range in business is common, but unfortunately, certain people aren't being treated correctly.

The harsh reality of federal protection

Federal regulations against workplace ageism don't come into focus until after job seekers turn 40.⁴ However, younger workers in positions of power may see people who haven't hit that age yet as "old," as well. There is no way for those in the middle to recognize across-the-board protection.

Inaccurate views of older workers

Slow learners/less adaptable

Just as technology has grown by leaps and bounds, so have erroneous feelings that older workers can't keep up or learn to use it.¹⁰

Our solution? Champion that you are keeping pace with the latest technologies by earning certifications or trying things out. There are great ways to do this online and in-person, but you can also just dive in and try something! Exploration sparks innovation and unique skills.

Stubborn⁸

Walking hand in hand with a lack of adaptability is the feeling that older workers are stuck in their ways.

Our fix? So, they think you're immovable? Showcase your agility! Have examples prepared to use during interviews and while working.

Workplace ageism affecting younger workers

Certain people feel it more than others

Young women are disproportionately affected by bias. "Over half of women under 30 say their age has negatively impacted them in the workplace."¹ Women feel the pinch both at the beginning of their careers and once they transition to "older" status.

It's not a small problem

"A Harris Poll found that 36% of Gen Z and younger millennial workers reported experiencing age-based discrimination at work."⁸

That number is dangerously close to half.

Fresh territory for research

More research is needed on so-called "youngism"⁹, but essentially, this term denotes the type of bias older workers experience, now being felt by new talent.

Incorrect beliefs about younger workers

Entitled/lazy

"But the ageism today’s millennial and Gen Z workers are facing, North believes, is more acute – and derives from pervasive perceptions that they are entitled, lazy radicals. 'In this case,' he says, 'it’s not just a life-stage critique. This is something more extreme.'"¹⁰

"When it came to more negative terminology, says North, the number-one response was 'entitled', with 'coddled', 'disrespectful' and 'radical' also used repeatedly."¹⁰

To some extent, Millennials in particular have been scapegoated for years. They were seen as difficult when young, and now that some are reaching their forties, they are getting their first taste of traditional ageism.

Our idea? Show up as your best self and do your best work, despite the odds. Explain how you came to your conclusion with research to back it up, so people can see that you know what you're talking about. You're not entitled; you're informed!

What you can do to stand up for yourself, regardless of age

Find mentors of different ages⁵

You can learn something from everyone. Find people of all ages in your workplace or in your industry to improve your chances of staying relevant and making valuable workplace connections.

Tell someone

If you experience workplace ageism, tell human resources and work with them to design solutions that can help you and others.⁵

Don't adopt traits that aren't you⁷

"Individuals also stereotype themselves. Self-stereotyping describes viewing one’s group’s stereotyped traits as accurate and adopting them (Turner et al., 1989; Van Rossem, 2019)."

Just because other people are acting a certain way doesn't mean you have to. If it isn't your thing, don't change to accommodate it.

Remove bias by editing

Tactically, you can remove any dates from your resume and other materials that address your age, such as your year of graduation. Employers don't need to know that information to decide if you know how to do a job. If you have the skills, that's all that matters.

Nothing should stand in the way of you getting the job you deserve or doing the work you were born to do, especially workplace ageism or youngism. If you're ready to start a new career journey, apply for an open role on our site today.

Sources and inspiration

1. Workplace Ageism Is Hurting Employees And Businesses Alike
2. Addressing Ageism and Rethinking Workforce Development
3. Older workers find a less tolerant workplace: Why many say age discrimination abounds
4. Age Discrimination
5. Ageism In The Workplace
6. Understanding Workplace Ageism
7. Broadening the View of Workplace Ageism
8. What is Ageism? 12 Examples of Ageism in the Workplace
9. Workplace youngism: a scoping review of agism toward younger workers
10. The 'acute' ageism problem hurting young workers

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