Older employees in some workplaces experience age discrimination. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967 prohibits employers with 20 or more employees from discriminating against employees aged 40 and older.
The Indiana Age Discrimination Act (IADA) offers the same protection as ADEA, but it applies to a different set of employers. It covers employers with one or more employees and protects individuals who have attained the age of 40 but not yet 75.
These two laws ensure employees are protected from being treated unfavorably because of their age. So, how can you tell you have experienced age discrimination?
Unfair hiring practices
Older job applicants are protected from discrimination. If an employer refuses to hire you, yet you are more qualified, in favor of younger applicants, you may have experienced age discrimination.
Some employers even go to the extent of discouraging older employees from applying in the first place. They use biased language in job ads, such as recent graduate, digital native or young and energetic.
You should also be alarmed if an employer sets an age limit for programs like internships or if you are asked age-related questions in an interview.
Unfair employment policies
If your employer has different policies for older employees, they may be discriminating against you. For instance, you are paid differently from younger colleagues in similar roles, you are restricted from career development opportunities, your employer holds you to higher standards during performance reviews and so on.
Unfair dismissal
Being dismissed because of your age can be considered age discrimination. Some employers engage in such an unfair practice to cut costs or because of stereotypes.
Experiencing unfair treatment because of your age in the workplace can negatively impact your career and life. Learn more about age discrimination to protect your rights.
