Ageism is a bias or practice of discrimination against people based on their age. In the workplace, ageism is most commonly encountered during recruitment. Rejecting applicants for a role based on their age, despite their skills or experience, is a common practice in several companies and industries. For example, there's a common belief that IT companies should focus on hiring people within specific age limits.
Ageism can also affect employees in other ways, such as when they're considered for promotions or even when they're integrated into daily activities like team-building exercises and outings. Discriminating against people based on their age is a serious threat to workplace ethics and can damage an organization's reputation. However, it's a positive trend that many modern workplaces are actively fighting against ageism.
Widespread Age-related Prejudices in the workplace and the real story
Ageism affects both younger employees and senior employees alike. Here are some widespread age-related stereotypes found in workplaces.
- Prejudice 1: Hiring freshers or young applicants is a waste of time and resources.
- Real story: While some experience is valuable, fresh graduates often bring new ideas and energy. Investing in training and mentorship can help them quickly adapt to the company culture and expectations.
- Prejudice 2: Showing preference for unmarried women at interviews due to maternity leave misconceptions.
- Real story: This is discriminatory and illegal. All qualified candidates, regardless of marital status, deserve a fair chance.
- Prejudice 3: Senior employees, especially those above 40, are hard to mould and integrate into the organisational culture.
- Real story: Experienced workers bring valuable knowledge and perspective. Effective onboarding and development programs can help them adapt to new environments while leveraging their existing skills.
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