Unfortunately, many Indiana workers face age discrimination on the job. However, increasing opportunities to telework has shaken up the normal order of things in the workplace. Where older workers were previously perceived as being less skilled in technology, now their skillset may be viewed as more compatible with an age where more people are able to telework.
Failure to hire or promote older workers because of the perception that they are not skilled at technology is a form of age discrimination. Any type of employment decision that is not based on a worker’s actual skillset would be a prohibited practice. However, there are actually reasons why older workers may be better suited for the telework environment. At the same time that older workers are perceived to be “behind the times” technologically, older employers may also be better at critical thinking and adjusting to the telework environment. Their creative problem solving and maturity may be enabling them to thrive right now.
With regard to the workplace, training is critical to removing some of the conditions that lead to age discrimination. Many employees report that they have not received any age discrimination training in the workplace in the past year. Companies need to be proactive in both training employees and instituting policies that reduce the instances of discrimination against older workers. This is not something that happens without forethought and effort.
Those who believe that they have experienced age discrimination on the job may have a legal case against their employer or the company that would not hire them. They should seek out a workplace discrimination attorney to learn more about their legal options and how they can file a lawsuit against the employer for the discriminatory treatment that they have suffered. The attorney may help their client develop their case and file it in court.
