More than half of older US workers say ageism hinders their hiring

Report: Ageism Hinders Hiring Process for Older Workers

Among job seekers who are 50 and older, 59% believe their age has created obstacles during the hiring process due to ageism, according to a Sept. 24 report from CWI Labs.

In addition, 46% of older job seekers said they’ve been looking for a job for at least a year, and only 21% feel optimistic they’ll find a job in the next six months.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
2. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities

“Older workers play a pivotal role in the U.S. labor force. This survey highlights the age-related bias older workers and job seekers face that is costing our economy trillions of dollars each year,” Gary Officer, founder and CEO of CWI Labs, said in a statement.

Steps Towards Achieving SDGs

• Collaboration with policymakers and businesses to challenge the current approach to workforce development
• Driving opportunities for older workers to thrive in the rapidly evolving world of work

In a survey of 1,600 Americans between ages 18-71, 81% of workers over age 50 said they believe employers want younger applicants. Despite their willingness to collaborate with colleagues of all generations, though, they’re less likely to say they have positive relationships with colleagues across all ages (83% of those aged 50+ versus 94% of those aged 18-49).

In addition, 28% of older workers said they’ve witnessed age-related microaggressions. About 19% said they’ve experienced microaggressions, and 70% said these age-related microaggressions came from younger colleagues.

Even so, 78% of employed older workers said they work on teams with colleagues from different generations, and 74% said they’re comfortable being managed by someone younger than them.

Beyond that, 92% of workers over age 50 said they’re willing to learn and are interested in opportunities to learn new professional skills, including digital skills.

SDGs Impacted

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
2. Goal 4: Quality Education

Older adults now comprise a larger share of the American workforceSDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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

• SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for older persons and persons with disabilities.
• SDG 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.
• SDG 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

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

• Indicator for SDG 8.5: Proportion of older persons (aged 55 and above) in total employment.
• Indicator for SDG 10.3: Proportion of job seekers who believe their age has created obstacles during the hiring process due to ageism.
• Indicator for SDG 17.17: Number of partnerships between policymakers, businesses, and organizations focused on promoting age inclusivity in the workforce.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: hrdive.com