Stereotypes a threat to older workers

“Unfounded assumptions around the energy, potential or job suitability of older workers only serve to undermine their confidence, work performance and, ultimately, their commitment,” National Seniors chief executive, Michael O’Neill, says.

His comments come after a National Seniors report last week revealed older workers were more likely to lose enthusiasm for the job, and possibly quit, after experiencing ‘stereotype threat’ –  which is a belief they are the target of demeaning stereotypes.

Some of the stereotypes among older workers may include frailty and inflexibility or the fear of technology.

The study, conducted by Queensland University for the National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre, reviewed 1,428 employees aged 50 to 75 years who were asked to assess how they felt they had been treated in the workplace on the basis of their age.

The majority (44%) claim they experience ‘medium’ levels of stereotype threat, while 14% of participants say they experience high levels of stereotype threats and 42% claiming to experience a ‘low threat’.

The research shows these types of stereotypes are pushing older workers towards “premature retirement”, prompting Mr O’Neill to call for “official moves’ to keep the over-50s “gainfully employed”, and to have more positive older role models in the workplace as well as stronger anti-discrimination policies.

“Whilst it’s great to see a growing commitment from business and government towards this group, the research shows stereotype threat remains a significant psychological obstacle for mature age employees,” he adds.

According to Mr O’Neill, to retain mature-age workers, businesses need to help these workers “reach their full potential and combat stereotype threats”.

Have you, or someone you know, been faced with workplace stereotyping based on age? Share your experiences by commenting in the box below.