Building a Positive Workplace Culture for All Age Groups

Age discrimination, also called ageism, is when someone is judged based purely on their age, not their capabilities or subject expertise. It's a problem in several workplaces, yet many are unaware of how this type of discrimination impacts their lives and the lives of those around them. They may also not know that such behavior is against the law.

Age discrimination can harm employees of all age groups in different ways. For example, older employees nearing retirement age may be denied job positions and responsibilities solely based on their age. It can also affect younger workers because it can create an unfair environment where the opinions of older employees are more respected than those of younger ones.

Such practices can create a toxic culture that alienates employees, causing them to feel like they don't belong. It's your responsibility to find ways to prevent such discrimination from occurring.

The article will go in-depth on addressing workplace discrimination and building a positive company culture for all age groups.

3 common issues in a multigenerational workplace

There are a growing number of multigenerational workplaces and companies learning to create a collaborative and inclusive workplace. Before learning how to build a positive workplace might help you understand the common issues, you might encounter in a multigenerational workplace. 

• Older employees struggle to adapt

Employees from an older generation may have difficulty adjusting to the new ways of working. A common source of stress for older employees is learning to use modern digital tools; many often need help from Gen Z employees.

These challenges can make these employees feel out of place and left behind in fast-moving businesses. 

• Different ideas of work and communication

Another issue is that "the younger generation" — considered the Millennials, Gen Z and Gen X —may feel left out because of the different work styles between generations. They may also feel like their ideas are not valued as much as those of older generations because they’re younger and less experienced than their colleagues.

• Stereotyping

Employees may let their pre-conceived ideas of people from certain generations guide their judgment. Some are that older generations are slow while the younger generation is entitled and disrespectful. These biases can affect how employees work and communicate with one another. 

How to promote an age-diverse work environment

You'll need to work closely with your HR department and experts to create initiatives that promote age diversity in your work environment. Below are a few ways to get you started. 

1. Establish strict HR policies

A strict HR policy will make it clear to employees that age discrimination is prohibited in the workplace. You can also have regular meetings with supervisors and managers to ensure they treat their employees fairly regardless of age or other factors such as gender, race or ethnicity.

It's also essential that these policies cover your hiring processes, too. Ensure that recruiting managers focus on the candidates' merits, skills, and accomplishments rather than their age.

You can also consider instituting a mentorship program where older employees can teach younger ones about the ins and outs of the job so both parties benefit from this relationship.

2. Offer diversity training

Another possible solution to prevent age discrimination is to provide training programs to employees to help them understand each other better and work harmoniously.

HR managers can also interview employees who feel discriminated against because of their age or other reasons (such as gender, race, or ethnicity). This way, the HR team will know what to teach during the training sessions. 

3. Be age-neutral in your job descriptions

Words such as "young" or "recent college graduates" can dissuade older employees from applying for the job opening. If you intend to create a more age-diverse workplace, avoid using these phrases or any term that references someone's age.

Wrapping up

Age discrimination is a real and serious societal problem and can pose a workplace safety threat. It's an issue that has been around for decades and needs to be addressed now more than ever.

Everyone should work together to ensure that each individual — regardless of age — is treated fairly and with respect by their peers and employers.