As a worker, discrimination could affect you in various ways. Whether you lose your job or struggle with a demotion, this is a serious problem in Michigan and across the U.S. Sometimes, workers experience discrimination due to their age.
Regrettably, age discrimination often goes unnoticed, and employers are not always held accountable.
Age discrimination and job applicants
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, it is against the law for covered employers to discriminate against workers (and prospective staff members) as a result of their age if they are 40 or older. This applies to all facets of employment, which also includes the hiring process. Sadly, some job applicants experience age discrimination after submitting an application or meeting for an in-person interview.
Sometimes, age discrimination is very easy to identify, such as someone receiving a message saying they are too old. In other cases, people can detect age discrimination by looking at the terminology used in a help wanted ad, while others have no evidence of discrimination (even though they suspect discrimination took place).
The consequences of age discrimination
If you face discrimination while trying to secure a job, this can lead to several hardships. Aside from missing out on a lucrative opportunity and wasting time navigating through the hiring process, you could have emotional challenges to overcome as well. Sometimes, age discrimination leads to a sense of hopelessness, causing talented individuals to give up their job search or accept a lower-paying position. Moreover, age discrimination can cause depression and anxiety.
If you believe that you experienced age discrimination after applying for a job, or in any other scenario, you need to firmly stand up for your rights.