Despite laws in place to protect us from age discrimination at work, ageism and stereotypes continue to affect many employees. Let’s explore – and debunk – some of the most common myths surrounding age.
Age discrimination only affects older workers
When most of us hear the word ‘ageism’, we think it only affects older people. But a survey from CV-Library found that three-quarters of 25 to 34-year-olds face discrimination for being “too young”. They say they’re not taken seriously by older colleagues and are often turned down for positions because of their age.
Another study found that many employers are reluctant to hire people under 30 because they’re “unpredictable” and “they don’t know how to work”.
Younger employees lack loyalty
This one’s harder to disprove. Many studies show that Millennials and Gen Z employees are more likely to leave their jobs than older colleagues. According to a Deloitte study, 43% of millennials and 61% of Gen Z staffers want to jump ship in the next two years.
But these studies also reveal why they want to leave – and ways employers can hold onto young talent. As well as financial rewards, these demographics want a positive workplace culture, diverse management teams and companies that make a positive impact on society.
As James Goodnow, co-author of Motivating Millennials, says, "This 'they're probably leaving anyway' mentality creates a self-fulfilling prophesy where business leaders don't invest in their youngest workers, who then leave as a result."
Workers over age 50 long to retire
According to a Prudential poll, half of respondents (UK adults aged 45 plus) expect to work past their pension age. But it’s not just the lure of more money in retirement.
54% stay on at work to help keep their mind and body active and healthy
43% admit they simply enjoy working
26% don’t like the idea of being at home all the time
To delay retirement, more than a quarter of respondents plan to reduce their weekly hours, work flexible hours or downshift responsibilities.
Older workers have less strength and stamina
While it’s true that our muscles naturally wear down as we grow older, activity can help keep us fit and strong into retirement and beyond. What’s more, the repetitive tasks of manual labour, for example, help build muscle strength and fitness for those types of job. In office jobs with a sedentary working life, regular exercise can keep all ages fit and healthy.
If you’re 65 or over, the NHS recommends to moderate exercise 30 minutes, five days a week. You could also try strengthening exercises twice a week – like light weights and resistance machines in the gym.
In terms of stamina, an AWCS report found that older employees can keep up with younger colleagues by taking more frequent breaks.
Older workers are slow to catch on
Nope. New research reveals the brain can learn and master new skills – whatever your age. What’s more, some brain functions, such as semantic memory, language and speech – actually improve with age. To get the most from employees, you should make development opportunities available to all staff – regardless of their age.
Older workers are less productive
We can debunk this one, too. Studies show that older people use their brains differently than the young. Instead of considering all new information when making a decision, they draw from past experience and dismiss some details. That way, they work more efficiently with the info they have to stay up to speed with younger colleagues.
Older workers grudge new technology
Contrary to popular belief, older workers can be as keen to embrace new technology as younger people. A Dropbox survey of 4,000+ IT workers found that people over age 55 are actually less likely to stress over tech than younger colleagues.
What’s more, only 13% of respondents aged 55 and older report having trouble working with multiple devices, compared to 37% of 18-to-34-year olds.
Older workers are more resistant to change
Some people are more averse to change than others. However, older people are more likely to question the reasons for change. This isn’t always a bad thing, as they may have encountered similar situations in the past, and can offer useful insights.
A study found that older employees are actually more open to change than younger colleagues. Where there's resistance to change, clear communication and support can reassure for workers of all ages.
Older workers take more sick days
While certain conditions such as arthritis are more common with older employees, studies show this doesn’t always translate into time off. A survey from Bupa found that workers aged over 60 took fewer sick days than younger staff.
Summary
Age discrimination stops organisations getting the most from their employees. A simple way to overcome ageism is to mix up teams with older and younger employees. That’s what many organisations do in Germany. There, mixed-age teams, age-specific tasks and workplace adjustments for older workers lead to higher productivity from older and younger workers.
Reference:
Shafi Musaddique, ‘Majority of UK workers say age discrimination is common at work’ (2017). Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/uk-workers-age-discrimination-common-workplace-office-young-majority-a8103511.html
‘Too Young To Lead? When Youth Works Against You’ (2016). Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinebeaton/2016/11/11/too-young-to-lead-when-youth-works-against-you/#6a6f32653c2a
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