Eight in Ten Women Face Ageism at Work, Confirms Latest Research
Posted 6th August 2024 • Written by fairplaytalks.com • • • • • •
Around 80% of women worldwide face ageism in the workplace, a new survey has revealed.
According to the study carried out by Women of Influence+, 77.8% of women have encountered age-related discrimination in their careers, underscoring ageism as a critical yet often overlooked barrier to professional growth. Ageism is a form of discrimination and prejudice that is directed towards individuals or groups based on their age.
Not only does ageism exist, but it is also more visible than we may want to believe. Sadly, more than 80% have witnessed women in the workplace being treated differently because of their age. And almost half (46.2%) report it to be an ongoing issue.
Ageism is overwhelmingly present in workplaces across the globe, according to Women of Influence+, the global organisation committed to advancing gender equity in the workplace. This social construct often leads to stereotyping and generalising people based on their chronological age, regardless of their individual capabilities, experiences, or personal attributes, noted the report, entitled Exploring the Impact of Ageism on Women in the Workplace. It can negatively impact individuals at all stages of their careers, leading to unfair treatment, limited opportunities, and marginalisation.
NEGATIVE IMPLICATIONS OF AGEISM
“I have never heard comments about male colleagues being too young or too old for their work,” said one respondent. “Women are either too young, too old, or may be in the age range of having children. All are viewed as negative.”
While we often think of ageism as something that impacts people in the latter years of their careers, the reality is ageism can have negative implications at all ages and stages. The data revealed notable peaks in the initial decade of work and later years:
- 40.7% of respondents experienced age-based discrimination within the first decade of their professional journey.
- More than half (55.9%) encountered ageism after surpassing 21 years in their career.
WHY AGEISM AFFECTS WOMEN MORE THAN MEN
Survey participants expressed that age is often inappropriately correlated with perceived performance and success; a bias that disproportionately affects women. Highlighting this gender disparity, one respondent observed, “Women are never the right age. We are either ‘going to get pregnant’ or ‘too old’.” This reflects a societal tendency to place undue expectations on women.
According to feedback from respondents, the disparity is further emphasised in contrast to older men, who respondents say are often viewed as ‘distinguished’ or ‘very experienced’. In comparison, older women may be unfairly seen as being ‘past their prime’ or occupying opportunities ‘better suited to others’. This observation feeds into the broader narrative that workplaces perpetuate ageism, especially against women. “Workplaces were built for men,” said one respondent. Another shared, “The old boys’ network still exists.” And a third added, “It is a carryover from the age-old belief [that] women should not be in the workplace.”
Furthermore, the survey reveals that the perpetrators of ageism span all levels of seniority, implicating the HR department, co-workers, clients, managers, and executives. Respondents highlighted recruiters as another group frequently engaging in age-based discrimination.
HOW AGEISM MANIFESTS IN THE WORKPLACE
Ageism in the workplace manifests in various forms.
- Almost 80 % reported experiencing age-based stereotypes and/or assumptions.
- Just more than half of respondents (50.1%) said they were shown a lack of respect from colleagues.
- Almost half of respondents (49%) reported unfair treatment in promotion processes.
“I have white hair and I have been advised to colour my hair to make me look younger as it may help me secure employment,” said one respondent. “This comment came from an HR Professional.”
STEREOTYPES & BIAS
Women also face stereotypical assumptions about their capabilities with technology and adaptability. Beyond these tangible impacts, ageism can be detrimental to a woman’s overall sense of self and wellbeing and can have significant personal repercussions. Whether it’s taking steps to appear younger or older, women are often forced to make changes to themselves to look like they’re the “right age” for a job. This is often referred to as the “pink tax” – the money and time women spend on physical enhancements to meet societal expectations.
Personally, women experienced the following:
- Increased stress as a result of experiencing ageism was reported by 62.2% of respondents.
- Second-guessing capabilities was reported by 61.8% of respondents.
- Almost 60% (59.3%) shared they overcompensated or worked harder to prove their worth.
- More than half (55%) said they experienced lower self-confidence as a result of age-based discrimination.
Professionally, women also report significant impacts when it comes to ageism, such as:
- Almost 60% (57.7%) reported impaired career progression.
- More than half (52.1%) reported a lack of sense of belonging at work.
- More than 50% (50.9%) reported experiencing dissatisfaction with their employer.