Baby boomers concerned about ageism in workplace

Baby Boomers Concerned About Age Discrimination in the Workplace

According to a poll published on Thursday, baby boomers are more likely to be worried that their age puts them at a disadvantage in the workplace compared to Gen Z. The poll, conducted by The Harris Poll for the American Staffing Association (ASA), found that 68 percent of baby boomers believe their age hinders them when finding a new job. In comparison, only 53 percent of Gen X, 29 percent of millennials, and 48 percent of Gen Z share the same concern.

Poll Methodology

The online survey was conducted from January 5 to 9 and included 2,094 adults aged 18 and older, with 1,294 of them being employed. The margin of error for the survey was plus or minus 2.5 percentage points using a 95 percent confidence level.

Reasons for Concern

Hiring managers may worry about how baby boomers, aged 60 to 78, can keep up with new technology or believe that they will soon retire. This is not a concern with Gen Z and millennial applicants. Discrimination based on age, particularly against women, is a prevalent issue in the hiring process.

Increasing Employment Rates Among Retiree-aged Americans

Despite their post-retirement ages, nearly one in five U.S. adults aged 65 and older were employed last year, double the rate from 35 years ago. This indicates that more retirees feel financially pressured or want to remain in the workforce.

Impact on Salary and Job Search

The fear of ageism may influence whether baby boomers ask for a raise or search for a new job. Only 42 percent of employed boomers plan to ask for a raise in 2024, compared to 66 percent of Gen Z and 67 percent of millennials. Similarly, only 21 percent of baby boomers plan to search for a new job this year, while 69 percent of Gen Z and 50 percent of millennials have plans to do so. Gen X falls below with 37 percent planning to search for a new job.

Challenges in Job Platforms and Networking Events

Part of the reason for these differences may be the job platforms and networking events primarily designed for younger workers, which may exclude older workers from opportunities.

Perceptions and Reality

There is a prevailing stereotype that baby boomers are less adaptable and slower to embrace new technologies. While this stereotype may reflect reality to some extent, it can prevent qualified older workers from excelling in roles that suit their skills, such as strategic thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

Salary Requirements and Lifestyle

One of the biggest challenges baby boomers face when looking for a new job is finding a salary offer that aligns with their financial lifestyle. Baby boomers who are willing to accept lower pay may have more opportunities available to them.

Responsibility of HR and Company Leaders

HR and company leaders have a responsibility to create a workplace free of ageism. Discrimination based on age is illegal and should not be tolerated. Policy makers and HR leaders need to work together to address misconceptions, stereotypes, and biases surrounding older workers.

If you are a baby boomer who has experienced workplace discrimination and would like to share your story, please contact us at personalfinance@newsweek.com.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
   • Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities.

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
   • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:

• Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
• Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: newsweek.com

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