As research has shown, ageism happens across all industries, but it is especially prevalent in the technology field and women tend to experience it at higher rates than men.

Why the bias?

As a mature worker, you may be seen as a liability and an increase in an employer’s health insurance premiums. However, this is often an inaccurate assumption as age does not automatically mean that you are unhealthy.

You are also competing against younger generations who are perceived as faster, more efficient, and more up to date on current trends and technology. This is inaccurate because your age does not dictate your level of skill or productivity. 

Is this focus on age a form of discrimination and bias? YES!

Is ageism a real thing? ABSOLUTELY!

You aren’t battling to prove the years of related experience you offer. You are fighting the general biases that people have of older employees, such as:

• Lower energy 
• Less forward thinking 
• More health-related concerns 
• Lack of computer and/or current technology proficiency
• Resistance to change; unwillingness to learn anything new
• Expectation of a higher salary to account for experience level

What you can do to decrease this bias:

• Show hiring managers that you are energetic, enthusiastic, and forward thinking.
• Let employers know that you are comfortable with change and willing to learn new things.
• Fill your resume using the latest terminology; convert old tactics to new.
• Keep your resume and online social media account(s) active, up to date, and relevant.
• Tell stories that use current terminology; show your understanding of latest industry trends.
• Show that you can be an asset as a subject matter expert in the field.
• Invest in yourself; take classes online to increase your skills and technology knowledge.

The truth is, there are many benefits to being a seasoned professional. You and your peers:

• Offer a much broader array of job skills, abilities, and experience.
• Typically take less personal and sick days.
• Are dedicated and professional workers, looking to invest in a company and offer longevity.
• Understand how a business operates and the contribution you can offer. 
• Are more willing to share your skills with others in order to help them grow.
• Create a more diverse team which leads to an increase in staff performance and productivity, promotes a more positive work environment, and can reduce employee turnover rates.
• Younger professionals are often eager for salary increases, job promotions, more work life balance, and better healthcare. They are not looking to stay at a company for their entire careers; they are waiting for the next best thing. 

While the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is in order, the number of formal complaints submitted to the ADEA has tripled since 2018. Mature workers are tired of the discrimination and assumptions made by employers and are more motivated than ever to help create an equal and just professional space. However, still more than half of those who experience or witness age discrimination do not report it. If you yourself notice ageism in the workplace, say something!