Age discrimination continues to be a significant problem in the workplace, with almost one in five continuing to say they have experienced this problem.
Research from Canada Life shows that 18 per cent of adults aged 55 or over say they had experienced age discrimination in the workplace, either in their current role or a previous one.
This number has reduced over the past year, but only fallen marginally, from 19 to 18 per cent. This comes at a time when more older workers are continuing or returning to work due to the cost of living crisis, with more than half of employees now expected to work beyond retirement age.
The survey found that these financial difficulties are exacerbating other pressures that older workers are facing. Canada Life found that almost half of the all those in work (49 per cent ) feel like there are less opportunities for older workers to progress in the workplace. In addition 47 per cent of older workers feel more pressure to perform well at work, while 31 per cent think there has been a negative change in attitudes towards older workers.
Just over a quarter of employees (26 per cent) feel that their employers value older workers less than before the crisis began
Canada Life protection sales director Dan Crook says: “Older employees are a hugely valuable resource for thousands of employers and it’s concerning that discrimination in the workplace continues to be a real issue for many.
In fact, our findings show that sentiment has barely moved in two years.
“Not only do older workers continue to face discrimination, they are now also feeling additional forms of pressure, which are having an impact on their working lives.
“Although it’s been two years since the cost-of-living crisis began, the financial and emotional effects on workers live on. However, no matter the external circumstances, employers have a duty of care to create an environment where workers of all ages and levels, feel supported, empowered to progress and thrive, and most importantly – free from attitudes that are outdated at best or offensive and prejudiced at worst.”
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