Tips for employers on how to prevent age discrimination in the workplace
In a society where people are living longer, it’s seen as vital for the economy to encourage individuals to work for longer periods. With as many as four different generations coexisting in the workforce, it’s important for businesses to make sure their workplaces are welcoming to everyone.
Preconceived notions or prejudices about others can lead to unfair treatment based on physical traits like gender, looks, or ethnicity, creating either advantages or disadvantages in the workplace. Age, in particular, is a characteristic that can impact nearly all employees at some point during their careers.
So, ……how can employers reduce the risk of age discrimination in the workplace?
What does age discrimination in the workplace look like?
Age discrimination can often go unnoticed, so to prevent it, employers need to be able to spot signs of it occurring. Here are a few signs to look out for:
- Younger employees being automatically offered learning and skill-developing opportunities over older employees.
- Certain members of the team are overlooked when it comes to challenging tasks, this may also look like some employees are given an unfair share of tedious or undesirable jobs.
- Excluding employees in a certain age group from client meetings or social events.
- Insulting age related remarks and comments, this may be perceived as playful or humorous, but it could also be overtly hostile.
Check your policy
Introducing or updating your age discrimination policy is crucial. It should include examples and definitions of age discrimination, have clear reporting and grievance processes, and set out how the company is meeting its commitment to a more diverse and inclusive culture, including how it expects employees to behave. Are your senior leaders up to date with the latest employment laws? Remember, our team of HR experts are here to support and ensure you have the correct Policies in place.
Update your training
Check your training is up to date with the latest methods and when you last trained your staff – is it regularly and as part of onboarding new employees? The training should cover topics such as, what is discrimination and harassment, and why it can be hurtful and ultimately unlawful, with the goal of bringing about real changes in behaviour and increasing knowledge.
Make sure employees know exactly what to do if they witness or experience age discrimination, while encouraging and emphasising personal accountability. Ensuring employees are trained and educated on such matters can lead to a more positive and inclusive workplace culture.
hr inspire’s expert team can conduct training on the subject to increase employee understanding and awareness.
Carefully consider promotion and training
All employees, regardless of age, should have access to advancement possibilities, job-related training, and other growth opportunities (except in cases where age restrictions are legally and objectively justifiable). Create a training environment that encourages all ages to get involved and is appropriate for everyone to participate in.
If you would like more advice on how to prevent age discrimination in the workplace or you are interested in our Management, Leadership and Career courses, please do get in contact with our expert HR team – hr inspire, bringing your business the benefits, protection and experience of an entire HR department.
