Age discrimination is not only difficult to identify but preventing age discrimination can be even more challenging. Last year the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received more than 18,300 age discrimination complaints filed under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)^[1].
What’s more, AARP surveyed nearly four thousand employees aged 45+. The results of the survey indicated that 61%^[2] of these employees had either experienced or witnessed age discrimination.

Creating an inclusive work environment means allowing all employees to be as successful as possible. As an employer, your goal should be to lower your attrition rate and improve your top talent percentage—regardless of age or any other potential discriminating factors.

Here are a few tips to embed in your workplace culture to avoid age discrimination:

Stand Firm
Be clear with all employees that your company does not tolerate age discrimination of any form.

Avoid Age-Focused Cutoffs
An employee’s age should not limit promotions, training, or other opportunities to advance or become a leader. Be transparent when discussing the makeup of a good leader, someone who will be, or has been, promoted, and training candidates. These determining factors should center on professionalism, culture and fit, potential, and skillset.

Consistency Matters
From note taking to job description posts, ensure the language and materials used to discuss a candidate or the role are consistent across the board. Establish rules and protocol and stick to it. Inconsistency breeds low morale, higher turnover, and possible contention among employees.

Structured Evaluations
Regular evaluations are encouraged for all employees to help motivate and drive performance. Evaluation standards should ensure all employees are rated on the same scale and are measured on the same criteria, regardless of job, length of employment, or age.

Recruit the Masses
Post job opportunities across a variety of recruiting platforms. The more locations you can incorporate, the more diverse your applicants will be.

It is time to focus on your employees’ well-being. Learn more about how Vensure can help!

^[1] https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/statistics/enforcement/adea.cfm
^[2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2018/08/12/age-discrimination-by-employers-is-common-aarp-survey-says/#372715cb2cc5
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