Typically, when you think of workplace discrimination, there’s a good chance you think about bias against people based on race or gender. There’s a good reason for this perception, as the unfortunate reality is that many people do face harassment and discrimination because of the ethnic group they belong to or because of their gender, and they have been fighting against this behavior for generations.
However, it is important to remember that these two areas are not the only ones where discrimination takes place. For instance, did you know that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) keeps track of all the claims for discrimination that workers file, and they say that nearly 25 percent of those claims actually center around discrimination based on age?
This can look very different depending on the industry. For instance, there may be cases where people assume that young people lack the necessary training and experience and only want to hire older workers. Young people often find it hard to get their foot in the door, even when they’re very qualified, thanks to this perception.
On the other side of things, many industries revolve around technology, and it is common for older workers to feel discriminated against as people assume that they do not understand the technology or cannot adapt to changes in a fast-paced work environment.
No matter why it happens, this type of discrimination is absolutely illegal. All workers deserve the same treatment and opportunities when they have equal qualifications, regardless of age. Those who face discrimination must know all the legal options they have to protect their rights.