Recent research shows that 30% of workers say they felt unfairly treated due to their age at some point in their career. Of these workers, 72% say it even made them feel like quitting their job.
The nationwide study was conducted by the Society of Human Resource Management.
The data collected between February and April 2023 holds particular significance due to the current trend of delayed retirement, SHRM observed.
“More individuals are choosing to work beyond traditional retirement years, resulting in the emergence of a multi-generational workforce. Understanding and addressing age discrimination is essential to fostering inclusive work environments that value employees of all ages”
They study also found:
- 11% of human resource professionals agree older employees are not always treated as fairly
- 26% of workers 50 and older were targets of age-related remarks at work over the past six months.
- Among workers 50 and older, 1 in 10 say in the past six months they have often or always felt less valuable at work compared to younger workers.
- 17% of HR professionals say they have received reports of perceived ageism in their workplace.
- SHRM says HR professionals who work for organizations with diversity, equity and inclusion training are significantly less likely to report that age played a role in decisions made in the job application process (26%) compared to organizations that do not offer such training (40%).
- Common age stereotypes remain somewhat prevalent. According to the HR managers polled, older employees are more likely to be perceived by others as not competent with technology (49%), resistant to new ways of doing things (38%), and stubborn or grumpy (48%).
