26 April 2019
 Categories: Law, Blog

As with most forms of discrimination, age discrimination is not always obvious. An employer doesn't have to flat-out say that they will not hire you because of your age. Often, age discrimination is much more subtle. Age discrimination plays out in many ways, most often through the hiring process, harassment in the workplace, or discrimination of benefits.

#1 Bias in the Hiring Process

One of the many ways that discrimination plays out in the workplace is in the hiring process. Businesses that engage in age discrimination don't even allow older employees through the door. There are many ways to do that. One, an employer can screen out applicants who look like they are old based on the information presented in a resume. When someone has 40 years of work experience, it is easy to start guessing their age. Another way is by targeting job openings and making sure the advertisements are only seen by a younger demographic. In the digital age, with all the various formers of online advertising and targeting, this has become an increasing problem.

#2 Harassment of Older Workers in the Workplace

Sometimes, discrimination comes from within the workplace. One joke about someone being old is not considered harassment, but if you have to deal with jokes related to your age, or even bullying related to your age, on a regular basis, that is harassment, especially if that harassment is coming from a superior. Age discrimination can also play out through a denial of opportunities. If the opportunities to work on projects, or even advance, are being held back and only given to younger employees. Behavior that makes the workplace uncomfortable for an older worker or that prevents an older worker from working and advancing are two popular ways age-based discrimination plays out in the workplace.

#3 Denial of Equal Benefits

Employers have to provide the same or equal benefits to all workers, regardless of age. If a particular benefit costs more to provide for someone because of their age, the employer has to still cover the benefit up to the same financial amount that they cover their younger employees. If an employer is denying certain benefits to older employees, that is a form of discrimination as well.

If you feel you have experienced any of the situations described above, such as discrimination in the workplace or hiring process due to your age, talk to an age-discrimination attorney who can look at the facts of your situation and let you know if you have a legal case to move forward with. For more information, contact a company like Shegerian & Associates, INC.