{"id":4901,"date":"2021-02-04T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-04T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sonusbenefits.com\/battling-ageism-continued-protecting-senior-professionals\/"},"modified":"2021-02-12T15:42:33","modified_gmt":"2021-02-12T15:42:33","slug":"battling-ageism-continued-protecting-senior-professionals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sonusbenefits.com\/battling-ageism-continued-protecting-senior-professionals\/","title":{"rendered":"Battling Ageism Continued: Protecting Senior Professionals"},"content":{"rendered":"

A few weeks ago, we published a blog that covered four ways you can work against ageist practices in your workplace. While it\u2019s a good start to identifying the subtle ways ageism can sneak in, it\u2019s essential to address some more concrete ways ageism takes place.<\/p>\n

The numbers behind ageism<\/h3>\n

Ageism is, without a doubt, a heavy burden on the American people and our country as a whole. Last year, the AARP released a study that calculated the U.S. lost $850 billion<\/a> in GDP due to ageist practices against older workers in 2018. The same study<\/a> projects that by 2050, the losses resulting from age discrimination could reach up to $3.9 trillion.<\/p>\n

These ageist practices keep older workers out of the job market, impact any dependents they have, and force family members to pick up the slack. The study<\/a> found 57% of GDP revenue lost was caused by workers forced into involuntary retirement.<\/p>\n

Rejecting the practices of ageism<\/h3>\n

Although the\u00a0Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)\u00a0protects workers 40 and over from being denied work and put at a disadvantage due to their age, a Supreme Court 2009 ruling made it more difficult for plaintiffs to win cases. The new ruling requires plaintiffs to prove their age was the deciding<\/em> factor in their employer\u2019s decision, removing what\u2019s commonly called \u201cmixed motive\u201d<\/a> cases from the table.<\/p>\n

Last year, in response to the study and following public outcry, a bill (The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act<\/a>) was introduced to the Senate to amend the Supreme Court\u2019s decision and to make it easier for plaintiffs to make their case. Although this bill is not yet law, it shows a strong push to reject ageism and protect older workers from its destructive impact.<\/p>\n

What can you do to ensure your organization isn\u2019t participating in ageist practices?<\/p>\n

Empower your employees<\/h3>\n

A straightforward way to hold your organization accountable? Ensure your employees know their rights and what to do when they feel their rights have been infringed upon. Educate your managers, hiring managers, and leadership team on:<\/p>\n