Nearly all workers over 40 believe ageism exists in the workplace, with 92 per cent feeling pressured to conceal their age or downplay their experience to avoid negative perceptions, according to a recent survey by career service MyPerfectResume.
The survey of 1,003 Americans aged 40 and older found that 99 per cent of respondents perceive at least some degree of ageism in the workplace, and 86 per cent believe older employees are targets of workplace bullying.
“The data reveals a stark truth: nearly all older workers surveyed acknowledged that they feel ageism in the workplace, and many say that age-related stereotypes and bullying are eroding their confidence and sense of inclusion,” said Jasmine Escalera, career expert at MyPerfectResume.
The study also found that 95 per cent of respondents feel age-related stereotypes have affected their sense of belonging or inclusion at work. Additionally, 88 per cent admitted to sometimes adapting their behaviour or language to fit in with younger colleagues, with only 2 per cent saying they never change how they act or speak around younger coworkers.
When asked if they think there is ageism in the workplace, 73 per cent said there definitely was, while 26 per cent said yes, to some degree. Regarding the statement “Age stereotypes are still alive in the workplace,” 51 per cent somewhat agreed, and 30 per cent strongly agreed.
The pressure to appear youthful is significant among older workers. “Workers over 40 are exhibiting behaviours that indicate they feel their age is something to hide in the workplace,” Escalera said.
The survey revealed that 69 per cent of respondents sometimes change their behaviour or language to fit in with younger colleagues, 19 per cent often do so, and 11 per cent rarely do. Notably, 26 per cent of men reported regularly changing how they act or speak around younger coworkers, compared to 12 per cent of women.
Ageism’s impact extends to workers’ well-being, with 95 per cent reporting that age-related stereotypes have affected their sense of belonging or inclusion. Furthermore, 86 per cent believe older employees are targets for workplace bullying. When asked about the statement “Older employees are a target for workplace bullying,” 55 per cent somewhat agreed, and 31 per cent strongly agreed.
“When 92 per cent of older employees feel compelled to conceal their age or downplay their experience, it’s a clear sign that workplace cultures need a shift,” Escalera said. “Age diversity should be seen as an asset, not an obstacle. For this change to happen, older workers’ skills and experience should be celebrated by organizations.”
The findings highlight the need for employers to address age bias and foster inclusive workplaces where employees of all ages feel valued. HR professionals and C-suite leaders may consider reviewing policies, providing training on unconscious bias, and promoting age diversity as a strategic advantage.
The survey was conducted on May 6, 2024, polling 1,003 American respondents aged 40 and older. Participants answered various questions about age bias in the workplace, including yes/no questions, open-ended responses, and agreement scales.
See the full report here: https://www.myperfectresume.com/career-center/careers/basics/myperfectresume-com-career-center-careers-basics-workplace-age-bias
