Today marks National Older People’s Day, highlighting ongoing age discrimination challenges in the workplace. Surveys and studies reveal the struggles mature workers face in securing employment and the value they bring to industries.
- A survey by CV Library found that older workers are often not respected by employers despite their significant contributions.
- 92.2% of employees believe mature professionals add value to businesses, yet many face hiring biases.
- Mature workers, aged 55-64, perceive age as a major hurdle in job-seeking, facing rejections based on age, not qualifications.
- Evidence from studies of German car manufacturers challenges productivity myths, showing older workers can outperform younger ones.
On National Older People’s Day, attention is drawn to the persistent issue of age discrimination in employment. A recent survey by CV Library indicates that while many employees respect the contributions of older colleagues, employers often do not share this sentiment.
A study involving over 2,400 UK employees reveals strong support for mature workers, with a remarkable 92.2% acknowledging their value in the workplace. Furthermore, 76.6% assert that older employees bring unique experience that younger counterparts lack. Despite this, many mature professionals face dismissive attitudes from employers.
Age is seen as a significant barrier for job seekers aged 55-64, over 46% of whom cite age as a deterrent in gaining employment. Personal testimonies underscore their frustration, where experience and expertise are overshadowed by prejudiced hiring practices.
Direct quotes from individuals highlight the deep-seated challenges: Judy, a seasoned professional, finds her skills overlooked due to her age, despite being years away from retirement. Similarly, Pete and Matthew express their struggles in finding permanent roles despite their qualifications.
The perception that older workers are slower or less productive than younger workers is not substantiated by evidence. Research conducted in German car manufacturing plants demonstrates that older workers not only match but sometimes exceed the efficiency of their younger counterparts.
Lee Biggins from CV-Library emphasizes the issue, asserting that age should not impede employment opportunities, and that businesses need to appreciate the talent older professionals offer. His sentiments are echoed by Adrian Lewis, who underscores the cost efficiency and reliability of mature workers, arguing their importance in business growth.
Breaking down age barriers is essential for fostering an inclusive and dynamic workplace.
