Age Discrimination – Workplace Fairness

Age discrimination occurs in the workplace for both older and younger employees. Ageism is the discrimination or stereotyping of persons or groups based on their age.

Employers are typically not permitted to recruit, dismiss, or promote workers based on their age, nor to determine an employee’s salary based on their age.

However, determining whether an employer’s actions were motivated by age discrimination or by a genuine perception that another individual can perform a given job better can be challenging.

Most employers have resorted to determining the speculated age range that can be accepted into their organization and establishment.

These decisions are always detrimental to the affected age range and sometimes the employer because it is like judging a book by its cover thereby missing out on the values embedded in it.

Some countries have robust complaint and fact-finding mechanisms in place to assist employees in determining whether they have been subjected to age discrimination and asserting their rights. 

Read also: How To Be A Fair Manager? And Why It’s Important

What Exactly Is Age Discrimination?

If you are 40 or older and have been affected by an employment decision, you may have been subjected to unlawful age discrimination.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), detailed below at number 2, is a federal statute that protects people over the age of 40 from working age discrimination.

Here are some forms of age discrimination that may be illegal.

Examples 

1. You were not employed because the business preferred a younger candidate for the position.
2. You were given a poor work review because you were not “flexible” in accepting new tasks.
3. You were sacked because your supervisor preferred to retain younger, lower-paid employees.
4. Because the organization “needs new blood,” you were passed up for a promotion that went to someone younger hired from outside the company.
5. When a corporation announces layoffs, the majority of those laid off are older, while younger individuals with less seniority and less on-the-job experience are retained.
6. Before you were dismissed, your supervisor made age-related statements about you, such as calling you “over-the-hill” or “ancient.”

What Is Workplace Fairness

Workplace fairness exists to guarantee that fair procedures are maintained in the workplace in order to avoid and manage conflict.

Workplace conflict can lead to increased absenteeism and decreased productivity. Workplace fairness is the glue that ties the management and the staff together.

Workers who believe their workplace is unjust will create poisonous working relationships over time. They may grow wary of bosses and may even develop territorial, striking out at colleagues they view as a danger.

Read also: How to Inspire Others in the Workplace Daily

The gross incompetence emanating from workplace disputes can lead to several, claims to create a hostile work environment in severe circumstances. In such circumstances, resolving the disagreement might be highly costly.

Respecting and developing the human rights of all people who work inside the business is what fairness is all about.

According to research, individuals who feel properly treated at work trust their employer, love their work, and are more engaged in their job.

They are also more inclined to assist colleagues, are more ready to suffer through bad times with the organization, and stay with the company for a longer period of time.

In many circumstances, an organization’s rules and procedures, as well as bylaws, address the issue of workplace justice.

Workers have specific legal rights, including the right to a safe working environment. There are several laws in place to protect people from discrimination and harassment.

Employers must also adhere to a number of rules governing working hours, unpaid time, and compensation.

Managers are frequently accused of “picking favorites” with employees, although there is much disagreement over what constitutes fair treatment in instances not specifically protected by the law.

While it is critical to avoid offering special consideration to one worker over another, it is also critical to recognize and reward people that work hard and do their tasks effectively.

How Does One Ensure Organizational Fairness?

Employee worries about compensation schemes, managerial favoritism, and equitable recognition are all regular difficulties for leaders. Here are a few things to think about to assist your company to develop its fairness policies:

Create The Impression That Promotions Are Handled Equitably

When an employee complains about a coworker’s unfair promotion, the underlying issue may be, “Why wasn’t I promoted?” The greatest firms solve this by ensuring that all workers receive frequent, valuable feedback and by giving quality improvement support.

Provide A Fair Appeal Process

Employees must realize that they have a fair chance to have their complaints heard by management. Employees may be certain that the procedures in place will effectively handle any difficulties they may have by providing a clear method for addressing grievances.

Reaffirm That Everyone Will Be Given An Equal Chance To Be Acknowledged

Giving uneven appreciation is one of the quickest ways to damage a workplace’s sense of fairness. This can be especially problematic when managing personnel at numerous locations.

Employees will feel recognized and appreciated if they are assured that they all have an equal opportunity to be recognized for their efforts.

Read also: 10 Ways To Fight Attraction In The Workplace.

Reasons Workplace Fairness Is Important

1. It helps to ensure company continuity.
2. It aids in attracting and retaining top people. It boosts organizational productivity.
3. Increases long-term value for shareholders.
4. Boost staff morale and engagement.
5. A productive workforce.
6. Excellent working relationships between the employer and the workers.
7. Because of fair procedures, there is diversity throughout the organization.
8. Ensures employee cooperation.
9. Labor turnover and unavailability will be reduced.
10. Employees’ sharing of information will be improved.

Summary

Concerns regarding fairness in the workplace are difficult for any firm and may be stressful for both employees and management. Transparency and frequent communication may alleviate these anxieties, allowing everyone to focus on more satisfying and productive tasks.