Combating Age Discrimination in the Workplace

In an era where workplace diversity is supposedly valued, many people still experience discrimination from employers—even though such discrimination is against the law. In 2017 alone, more than 80,000 workplace discrimination-related charges were filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Discrimination Comes In Many Forms

When people think of discrimination, the first thing that comes to mind might be racial discrimination or discrepancies in pay based on gender. However, age-related discrimination is sadly alive and well in the American workforce today—and people of all ages may, unfortunately, fall prey to this form of discrimination. Both younger and older Americans in the workforce face discrimination based on age.

Discrimination Due To Age Is Hurtful On Multiple Levels

Employers who engage in age discrimination may try to pass off their unlawful behavior as “playful ribbing,” but being passed over for new assignments—or raises and promotions—due to age is hurtful. Age discrimination can affect feelings of self-worth and the sense of competence that is so necessary to thrive in a work environment. Acts of age discrimination can cause emotional suffering as well as preventing workers who are discriminated against from reaching their full potential as employees.

Age Discrimination Can Affect Young Workers As Well As Older Workers

According to data released by the Pew Research Center, the number of workers over the age of 55 is on the rise—and is projected to keep rising. Many people belonging to the so-called “baby boomer” generation have expressed their intention to continue working even after they reach the age at which they become eligible for Social Security. Yet, despite this fact, many older workers believe that they experience discrimination from their employers because of their age. When employers systematically choose younger workers for tasks over older workers, it could be because of age discrimination. On the other side of the coin, some employers give preference to older workers over younger workers, sometimes citing seniority and greater levels of work experience as the reason for doing so. This form of discrimination prevents younger workers from honing their skills and gaining more experience themselves. Age discrimination is unfair to all workers, no matter which age range the discriminating party “favors.”

By The Numbers

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission published data regarding claims filed against employers by employees due to alleged workplace discrimination. Of all the claims filed with the EEOC in 2017, more than 18,000 of them—21.8 percent—were filed as a result of age discrimination in the workplace and 2008, more than one-quarter of all EEOC discrimination claims filed were related to age discrimination, totaling more than 24,000 claims.

Have You Experienced Age Discrimination In The Workplace

If you feel your employer has discriminated against you based on your age, contact the Riverside workplace discrimination attorneys at Rager & Yoon – Employment Lawyers. The lawyers working with Rager & Yoon – Employment Lawyers have the knowledge and experience to help you steer your way through the legal system so you can get justice for the wrongdoings of your employer, and they offer consultations free of charge.