In today’s economy, many older workers are choosing to remain in the workforce. Unfortunately, age discrimination is still a pervasive issue in Florida businesses.
Recognizing the different forms of ageism and how it impacts older workers is essential.
Florida’s Civil Rights Act
Age discrimination is the practice of treating an individual less favorably because of their age. In the workplace, it might involve not hiring, promoting, or even firing someone based on their age.
Age discrimination is illegal, and workers over 40 are protected by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). The Florida Civile Rights Act also protects older and younger workers. The law makes it illegal for employers with 15 or more employees to fire, refuse to hire, or discriminate against a person based on age.
Sometimes, the signs of age discrimination are subtle and hard to prove, but here are some indications that you may be experiencing ageism at work:
- Older workers are being laid off or offered retirement packages, and younger employees are being hired in their place.
- You’ve been reassigned to undesirable tasks or ones beneath your skill level.
- There have been jokes, remarks, or insults about your age or retirement plans.
- You are being treated differently than younger colleagues.
- You see job postings that have phrases such as “recent graduate,” or “digital native.”
- You are overlooked for promotions even though you have the qualifications and experience.
If you feel you are a victim of age discrimination at work, you have options. You can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. You will want to work with someone who can guide you through the process and ensure you have everything documented. Doing so increases the likelihood of a positive outcome for your claim.