Each year, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission resolves tens of thousands of age discrimination cases against employers. Therefore, the problem of age discrimination is larger than most people realize, and far too many people allow it to go unchecked in their place of employment. But if you’re the one being subjected to age discrimination, then you can’t afford to let discriminatory practices slide. After all, these behaviors can have a tremendously negative impact on you, including missed opportunities for promotion and pay raises as well as putting you at risk of demotion, reassignment and termination. In other words, age discrimination can tank your career and throw your life into chaos.
But even recognizing the harmful effects of age discrimination doesn’t make spotting discriminatory practices easier. That’s why in this post we’ll give you some indicators of age discrimination to look for, that way you’ll know when to consider taking legal action against your employer, which may be necessary to protect your interests.
Red flags that you’ve been subjected to age discrimination
First, it’s worth noting that age discrimination can occur at any point in the employment process. Therefore, you’ll want to be cognizant how discrimination may occur in job postings, job descriptions, interviews, assignments, pay, promotions, demotions, training, performance appraisals and terminations. As you’re looking at each of these components of the employment process, be sure to assess whether any of the following have occurred:
- Demeaning or insulting statements: If you’re employer or potential employer makes jokes about your age or speaks to you in a demeaning fashion because of your age, then you might be experiencing a signal that your employer is engaging in discriminatory behavior. While the statements themselves may not be enough to support a legal claim, they certainly give you a sign that further investigation is needed, as other discriminatory behaviors may be occurring.
- Younger workers are preferred: A common red flag of age discrimination is a preference for younger workers both in filling new positions and in promoting to higher ones. There’s a misconception that younger workers are more energetic, creative and willing to work longer hours, which simply isn’t proven. Additionally, employers sometimes hire and promote younger workers because they can be paid less. So, if you see a hiring pattern that favors younger workers, then be ready to investigate the matter further.
- The use of a performance improvement plan: Most employers who engage in discriminatory behavior look for ways to cloak it in legal actions. One way they do this is by trying to create a record of poor work performance that can then be used to justify a demotion or termination. So, if you’ve always been a good worker who has had complimentary performance appraisals in the past but are suddenly put on a performance improvement plan without proper justification, then that may be a sign that your employer is looking for a way to “legally” take action against you.
Don’t let age discrimination derail your career
You’ve worked hard to get where you’re at. You can’t let it all evaporate because of illegal actions taken against you by your employer. So, if you suspect that you’ve been subjected to age discrimination in your place of work, then now is the time to start gathering evidence. Talk to co-workers, detail each instance of potentially discriminating behavior and retain communications you’ve had with your employer about the issue. By being diligent and aggressive here, you might be able to find accountability and recover compensation for the harm that’s been caused to you.