Age discrimination is the last socially acceptable form of prejudice in Australian employment.
Whilst discriminating against someone based on their age has been illegal for 20 years, unconscious bias, hard discrimination and more often, soft discrimination against workers aged 50+ are not only prevalent in Australian employment but tolerated and still accepted.
The most important structural issue limiting the opportunities for people aged 50+ is the bias shown by employing organisations. Sometimes conscious, often unconscious, this prejudice needs to be addressed to enable Australians to work effectively into their 50s and 60s.
50+ workers need employers to be more open to hiring and retaining midlife workers. For workers to remain employable, to be able to re-enter the workforce or to overcome underemployment post 50, more Australian employers need to become aware of the value mature workers can bring to their organisations.
The AgeInc, Age Inclusive Employer Endorsement, creates a national group of employers that support and affirm the value of employing experienced, 50+ workers and are both committed to developing an age diverse organisation and, importantly, signalling that commitment publicly. The Ageinc Endorsement is for employers to commit to improving work opportunities for people aged 50+ and to take the necessary action to help them flourish in a multigenerational workforce.
Age Inclusive employers play a leading role in changing attitudes for the better and challenging the stereotypes of ageing and importantly, age discrimination in the workplace.
As part of both the HR and DEI positioning of an organisation, being able to demonstrate to 50+ candidates that an organisation is endorsed as an Age Inclusive employer creates the confidence that midlife employees will be heard, recognised, supported and valued in the workplace.
An Age Inclusive Endorsed Employer is an organisation that plays a leading role in changing attitudes towards age, for the better, and challenges the stereotypes of ageing and most importantly, age discrimination in the workplace.
Find out more here.
Ageism is stereotyping, discriminating and mistreating people based solely upon age. Sign up for regular advice and guidance on how your organisation can help reduce age discrimination in your workplace.
