Over three-quarters of marketing professionals witness age discrimination
In excess of three quarters (76.5%) of respondents to an industry-wide survey into age discrimination have reported that the practice is widespread in their own workplaces.
76.5% of marketing professionals witness age discrimination
The research, undertaken by employment website CV Library, found that 47.1% of marketers fret that they’re not taken seriously at work solely due to their accumulation of years although discrimination was in action at both ends of the spectrum with 75% complaining that they were considered ‘too young’ while 25% believed that they were ‘too old’.
Prejudices against these younger employees centred on a lack of experience and not being taken seriously, with 33.3% having direct experience of such discrimination. At the upper end of life’s ladder, 50% said they faced concerns that they wouldn’t be agile enough to perform their tasks.
Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, said: “Diversity is a hot topic at the moment, and it is something that should be celebrated in the workplace. Sadly, there is clearly still a great amount of discrimination amongst those considered to be ‘too old’ or ‘too young’ to work in certain positions. As a nation, we need to address this issue head on, and consider ways in which we can remove these stigmas.
“It’s clear that discrimination around age is not only rife in workplaces, but also during the hiring process. But, while employers may think their pickiness will secure them the very best workers, they’re actually limiting themselves even further. Younger, and older, workers are a key part of driving our economy forward and companies should embrace a diverse range of employees in their business.”
The survey of 1,400 UK workers found that 41.2% had been turned down for a job because of their age.