Workplace discrimination can happen in many forms, including in the form of ageism. Ageism is when an employee is discriminated against due to his or her age. Most workers who experienced discrimination based on ageism are employees who are over the age of 50. Ageism effects many employees, including those employed in Missouri.
Once an employee is over the age of 50 or 55, many employees begin to worry about how employers and supervisors will treat them as they continue to age. Many employees who are discriminated against due to ageism are denied career opportunities and promotions due to the perception of their abilities associated with age or the length of time they will be able to continue to work.
It has been reported that ageism has become widespread and more related lawsuits have been initiated over the last five years. The reports indicate one third of workers believe employees that are over the age of 50 are less likely to be promoted in the workplace. Some of these reports were made by Missouri employees.
Ageism is not as concrete of an area of workplace discrimination as other protected classes. Reports indicate lawsuits have been initiated based on this area of discrimination, but it has not been as heavily litigated as other areas of workplace discrimination.
Workplace discrimination can occur in many situations and under many circumstances that can range from a direct action against an employee like a demotion to a passive action such as a promotional scheme that results in older employees being passed up for the promotions.
Workplace discrimination is detrimental to an employee’s career and emotional status and can even exhibit itself in very visible physical symptoms. An experienced attorney can assess a case of age discrimination and help the victim receive compensation for the damages suffered as a result.
Source: Fox News, “Is ageism widespread in the workplace?” Laurie Tarkan, June 07, 2012
