Age discrimination is a surprisingly common issue, harming many older workers who are competent and hard working employees. As a result, many older employees may face a hostile working environment or find their employment opportunities artificially stifled. But what exactly is age discrimination, and what can you do if you experience it yourself?
What is Age Discrimination?
In simple terms, age discrimination is any type of behavior or practice that has a negative impact on people based on their age. Typically, age discrimination is targeted at older workers, who may be targeted for discrimination due to the perception of being too old to effectively carry out their jobs. Alternatively, it may be seen as a way of pushing out more experienced workers in favor of younger, less experienced alternatives, who may demand less in terms of compensation or benefits.
What Does Age Discrimination Look Like?
Age discrimination can take many different potential forms, depending on the practices of any given employer. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Using demeaning or derogatory language towards older workers
- Refusing to give raises or bonuses
- Refusing to extend opportunities for promotion, despite qualifications
- Refusing to grant paid time off that has already been earned
- Excluding older workers from meetings or conferences
- Giving disproportionately harsh penalties to older workers
- Giving worse performance reviews without justification
- Pressuring workers to accept retirement when they do not want to retire
- Retaliating against employees who report age discrimination
Who Can Be Affected By Age Discrimination?
While age discrimination is often targeted at those who are close to retirement age, or who are already at retirement age, it can even potentially affect people as young as 40. It can impact anyone in a company, from entry-level employees to managers, and even executives are not immune. When it happens, employees may find themselves getting pushed out of their jobs, or else face an increasingly hostile work environment that can become nearly impossible to endure.
What Should You Do?
If you personally experience age discrimination, or suffer professional consequences due to reporting discrimination against someone else, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling employment law matters. They can advise you on your potential legal options, and ensure you get the best possible outcome for your situation. The sooner you call, the sooner they can begin working for you.
Steven Mitchell Sack, the Employee’s Lawyer, is a New York employment lawyer with more than 44 years’ experience handling the many aspects of employment law. His new book, “Fired!: Protect Your Rights & FIGHT BACK If You’re Terminated, Laid Off, Downsized, Restructured, Forced to Resign or Quit,” is available in hardback, and contains valuable advice on dealing with employment and labor law issues. To purchase the book, feel free to contact Steven Sack at 917-371-8000 or visit the website at legalstratpub.com. To inquire about a legal matter, please feel free to contact attorney Steven Sack at 917-371-8000 or stevensackatty@hotmail.com.
