If you are over the age of 40, you are likely protected by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). This means that your Missouri employer isn’t allowed to make employment decisions based solely on your age. However, despite the presence of federal legislation, age discrimination is still a problem for many older workers.
Older workers are often viewed in a negative light
It isn’t uncommon for older workers to be seen as aloof or unable to adapt to the modern workplace. However, the truth is that many workers over the age of 50 use social media, smartphones and other modern tools. Those who don’t use these tools can generally be taught how to use them within a few days or weeks.
Older employees have skills that younger workers often lack
As a general rule, individuals over the age of 55 have better interpersonal skills than those who have never experienced life without an internet connection. Furthermore, older employees tend to have stronger critical thinking skills than their younger counterparts. Finally, those who have been in the workforce for 20, 30 or 40 years can use their knowledge to help younger managers and colleagues solve problems in a timely manner.
Age discrimination can lead to workplace morale issues
In addition to violating local, state or federal employment laws, age discrimination can breed mistrust between workers and managers. Furthermore, younger employees who don’t think that they will be treated well as they age may not want to stay with the company for the majority of their careers. Instead, they will start looking for employers who will value their contributions regardless of how old they are.
If you believe that you have been a victim of age discrimination, it may be a good idea to speak with an attorney. He or she may help you file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or take other steps to assist in the process of obtaining a favorable outcome in your case.