Age discrimination in the workplace is illegal

As individuals age, they may face discrimination because of their maturity. Many older people find themselves suffering from unfair employment practices due to stereotypes surrounding older age groups, including inflexibility, incompetence with newer technology, and lower productivity.

However, both federal and Arizona state laws forbid workplace discrimination against those aged 40 and older.

What counts as age discrimination?

Age discrimination comes in many forms. Refusing to hire people, firing them, harassing them, assigning them unfavorable tasks, demoting them to lower positions, and lowering their wages because of their age all fall under this umbrella. Differences in training or benefits, passing over individuals for promotions because they are old, and essentially any other display of disfavor solely based on age also counts as age discrimination.

How do people prove age discrimination?

An action is not age discrimination unless there is proof that an employer carries it out because of the victim’s age. Documentation of any different treatment (including self-documentation) or rude remarks about age is a key form of evidence. Memos, texts, emails, and instant messages may also serve as proof. Reporting any suspicious incidents to a human resources department creates a record of ill-treatment that may be helpful in court in the case of a lawsuit.

What may people do if they suspect age discrimination?

Victims of age discrimination have more than one option. They may pursue action with their human resources department or supervisor. If this proves ineffective, they may file a complaint with the Arizona Civil Rights Division or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. They may also file a lawsuit against their employer.

Discrimination is a very real issue that plagues many older people, but there is recourse for those targeted in workplaces because of their age.