What is age-based discrimination?

Workplaces across the country strive to ensure that their workspaces accommodate all employees. This includes attempts at eliminating harassing or discriminatory behaviors between all individuals.

Unfortunately, discrimination still happens, even then. Some forms of discrimination get more coverage than others, too. While age-based discrimination is not uncommon, it can still fly under the radar when it comes to discrimination reporting.

Age discrimination based on looks

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission examines discrimination based on age. This is often targeting working individuals aged 40 and older. Forms of discrimination differ from case to case. Many involve refusing to compensate workers fairly, refusing them promotions and refusing to acknowledge their tenure due to their age.

Some discrimination centers around looks. For example, a secretary might end up moving to a different position that does not face the customers because their manager wishes to have a younger face representing the business.

Your mental clarity and physical abilities

Other forms of discrimination focus on the mental clarity of a worker. They may end up the butt of jokes that center around forgetfulness or a struggle to do mental tasks as quickly as younger employees might be able to. Even if it is not true, their age might open them up for such harassment.

Finally, some target a worker’s physical capabilities. As they age, they often struggle to do the same things that younger employees can do. However, this does not diminish their worth as employees. It is very harmful to end up bumped out of one’s position despite having years of experience just because an employer thinks a younger employee can do the job faster.

If you face any such forms of discrimination, consider contacting legal help. They can walk with you through the process of gaining compensation for the discrimination you face.