Older workers bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table.
It can also help companies avoid age-discrimination complaints.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits discrimination against workers ages 40 and older.
While it may affect people at various stages of life, older workers are particularly vulnerable to such discrimination.
These biases can severely limit employment opportunities and hinder the career progression of older workers.
He said he had no advance warning and was told the company had to restructure and make tough decisions.
While he had no proof that age was a factor, he suspected it was.
Since then, his job search has turned up nothing.
He was told by a recruiter that he was virtually unmarketable given that he is so close to retirement.
Evidence demonstrates that age is a factor in the hiring process.
This leads to a loss of productivity and dampens economic growth potential.
Financial instabilityNot hiring older workers has asignificant impacton the economy, as well as on all generations.
Age discrimination can push older workers into premature retirement or force them into accepting lower paying jobs.
The feelings of exclusion and insignificance can lead to increased stress levels and reduced job satisfaction.
In fact, alack of appreciationwas a key reason for leaving a job among older workers.
Combating Age Discrimination
Overcoming age discrimination requires a collective effort from individuals, organizations and policymakers.
Education is the first step toward combating age discrimination.
In addition, employers should review benefit programs to ensure they are age-inclusive.
Strengthen and enforce lawsPolicymakers should strengthen and enforce age-discrimination laws and ensure compliance in workplaces.
This would be welcome, as most workers ages 40 and older seek opportunities to learn new skills.
And education policy and institutions need to do more to better support adult learners.
This exchange of knowledge and skills benefits both parties and promotes a harmonious work environment and greater job satisfaction.
