Ageism is a term used to describe acts of discrimination and prejudice based on age. Yes, this type of prejudice exists and is more common than you might think.
What does ageism mean in the job market?
It refers to acts of prejudice that hinder a person’s employability because of their age. It is generally associated with individuals over 50 but can also manifest in other age groups.
In 2003, Law No. 10,741 created the Elderly Statute. One of its articles relates to the right to work, prohibiting companies from discriminating against older candidates and establishing an age limit for job openings – except when it is essential for the position.
Signs that may represent age discrimination in the workplace
- Comments or insults related to age.
- A hiring pattern favoring younger employees.
- Few promotions for individuals over 40.
- Early retirement packages and incentives.
- Layoffs predominantly affecting employees over 40.
- A culture that perpetuates the idea that mature individuals cannot fit into the company culture.
What is the reality of job placement for those over 50?
In a recent article, the Catho portal cited GPTW Brazil, which stated that in 2018, only 3% of older professionals were among the 150 best companies to work for.
Another survey from the job platform Maturi, which focused on age diversity and opportunities for those over 50, states that four out of ten professionals over 50 seek professional reintegration.
And in the communications market?
According to a UN survey, the situation in the communications industry seems to be worse, as individuals over 50 represent only 6% of the sector’s employees,
Furthermore, recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that, in the USA, for example, over 60% of advertising, PR, and related services employees are under 45 years old, with an average age of 40.
There is good news, too
A few years ago, hiring older people might have seemed strange. But nowadays, more and more seasoned professionals are returning to companies.
According to Gupy, the sectors that generated the most jobs for professionals between 40 and 50 years old were:
- Services 16.68%.
- Retail 16.10%.
- Healthcare 15.06%.
- Telecommunications 8.87%.
- Wholesale 6.77%.
- Information technology 4.74%.
In the first semester of 2021, the hiring of people over 40 increased by 217% compared to the same period of the previous year.
Paving paths is not an option but a necessity
IBGE data shows that 14.6% of the Brazilian population is 60 years old or older, equivalent to 30.3 million people. In the 50+ age group, there are 54.8 million inhabitants. The current average life expectancy in the country is 76.8 years. For comparison, this index did not even reach 70 years until 1998.
Combating ageism in the workplace goes beyond the professional aspect. It is also a social issue of breaking stigmas, prejudices, and also of construction so that current workers do not face the same panorama in the future.
And, with the aging population and increased life expectancy, the need to open doors for the 50+ audience becomes even more evident.
How to combat ageism in the workplace?
One of the best ways to combat ageism is to disseminate relevant information on the subject, such as articles that demystify the difficult relationship between older people and technology. See below for other ways to avoid it in the workplace:
- Reduce the wage gap between employees in the same position but with an age difference.
- Encourage the recruitment of candidates over 50 years old.
- Create strategies to avoid generational conflicts in the company.
- Establish internal rules against discrimination towards older people.
A corporation concerned with combating ageism will have many advantages in the future. Older employees are considered more tolerant, experienced, responsible, and loyal to the company.
Therefore, ensure this type of profile is on the staff team, as it is essential for an organization that intends to grow.
Sources: Forbes, IstoÉ, Catho, Vogue, LinkedIn, G1, IBGE, Previva.
