Ageism in the Workplace

Combating Workplace Ageism Larry WeasAdult & Higher Education, Ed. D. ProgramNorthern Illinois University 57362378214260

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Combating Workplace Ageism Author(s): Reio, T. G., Jr. & Sanders-Reio, J. Source: Adult Learning, v11 n1 p10-13 Fall 1999Age discrimination in the workplace is widespread and often based on stereotypes. Research has demonstrated that older workers learn and perform well. Adult educators should eliminate ways in which educational practices perpetuate ageism, raise awareness of it in the workplace, and help older workers continue learning.

Article Introduction

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An investigation of decision making on training scenarios, the researchers gave business students in their 20s an exercise in which they were to make decisions about the imaginary employees of a fictitious company. Employees were described as either older or younger, or their personal records included the photograph of either an older or younger person.

An Investigation

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According to a study conducted by the National Council of Aging, more than 50% of the employers surveyed believe that older workers cannot perform as well as younger workers.Ageism is WidespreadQuestion: Do you think this is because adult learning has become technology-based in the workplace?

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StereotypesTechnically OutdatedSlow and Less ProductiveTechnology- and Computer-PhobicPhysical Ailments less able to LearnNot Educated

Ageist MythA major point in the research: NO consistent pattern of superior productivity or job performance in any age group.

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First: Those who are 45 and older, perform well

Second: Adults want to learn new things

Third: Older adults are also just as able to learn

Adult Workers learn & perform well

Fourth: Younger students do better when older students are around, at least in Higher Education old dogs

Fifth: Adult workers tend to have many characteristics that are valuable to employers

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The social realities of race, gender, class, ethnicity and religion [have] restricted access to opportunities.

Stubblefield and Keane (1994)A Historical Perspective

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Adult Education as the engine of change in the workplace, with technology as the fuel

Appropriate basic skills training

How Adult Education Serves to Perpetuate Ageism

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Modelling more appropriate attitudes toward older workers

Appropriate teaching behaviours

Challenge older learners to achieve

Diverse learning environments What can we do?

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Ageism and the Workplace: How Bad Is it.

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is Ageism a problem of generational miscommunication, or even a lack of communication altogether? Question: Ageism?

In support of this article

Over-qualifiedThank you!900