Overview of Age Discrimination in the Workplace

Elderly workers should not be discriminated against.

Age discrimination is a major human resources issue in the modern workplace. Just like gender or race discrimination, it cripples the perceived performance of certain groups, and does this based on an uncontrollable factor--age. Every worker must be given the same performance-based treatment so as to avoid breaking legal and ethical guidelines.

Discrimination Against Youth

Young people in the workforce are commonly seen as less competent and naive. Though they (usually) do not have as much experience as veteran workers, this is not always the case. Employee payroll should be based solely on performance and expertise, and not on age.

Discrimation Against Elderly

Elderly workers are sometimes seen as no longer "viable" and less efficient. The elderly are actually the veterans of the workforce. They generally have more crystallized intelligence in their field than younger populations. Older workers should not be removed from their positions unless there is a legitimate reason (such as poor job performance.). An older worker can take legal action if he is replaced by a younger worker for age-based reasons.

Age Discrimination and the Law

There are several laws protecting age-based workers' rights, especially for the elderly (see References). For example, if a company fires an elderly worker to avoid paying pension, it is illegal under the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act.

Compensation for Age Discrimination

Workers who have faced age discrimination abuse from an employer may be entitled to compensation. For example, an elderly man fired for his age might be entitled to back pay and reinstatement.

Avoiding Age Discrimination

To avoid age discrimination, organizations can take several proactive steps. For example, it is now common practice for job applications to exclude a date of birth field. Companies should hire based upon budget needs and worker qualifications, not age. In addition, mentoring is a great way to reduce age discrimination. Facilitating communication between age groups helps to defeat prejudice.

References

• AllBusiness: Avoid Age Discrimination in the Workplace
• Workplace Fairness: Age Discrimination
• Sheldon Steinhouser: Age Discrimination in the Workplace
• HR Hero: Age Discrimination in the Workplace