Ageism in the Workplace

Ageism refers to prejudice or discrimination against someone based on their age.  The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) is a federal law prohibiting employment discrimination against employees and applicants age 40 or older. 

Ageism in the workplace can be expressed in both forms of explicit and implicit bias  and can lead to unfair and illegal hiring, firing, layoff, pay, benefits, promotion practices and even harassment. While the law protects individuals 40 and over, younger employees can also experience age discrimination.  It is important to develop policies and create a work culture that protects employees of all ages from discrimination.