Blog

Is Age Discrimination in the Workplace Real?

Is Age Discrimination in the Workplace Real?

AF Consulting

Is Age Discrimination in the Workplace Real?

Last week I did a poll on my Facebook stories where I posed the question: if age discrimination in the workplace is real?

I got an overwhelming response: YES

What is age discrimination? Age discrimination is any prejudice; behaviour that targets or discounts a person based on their age. 

 
Examples of Age Discrimination:

• This can be when someone is denied a job due to their age, or

• is denied access to learning or training based on their age or

• maybe you think you can force an individual to take early retirement based on their age.   

The Basic Conditions of Employment Act in South Africa states: “No person may unfairly discriminate, directly or indirectly, against an employee, in any employment policy or practice, on one or more grounds, including age.” A candidate’s relevant experience is all that is required in a job application. What? Yes, age should have no bearing on an employee’s ability to perform their job. Provided they are able and fit to perform their required tasks.

There is no law in South Africa that specifically states at what age any employee must retire. The usual retirement age is between 60 and 65 years but an employee cannot be forced to retire unless their employment contract specifies the retirement age or there is a company policy that sets the official age for it. This means an employee can work for as long as they are able to unless there is an agreed retirement age. You can also offer an employee a post retirement contract when they reach the retirement age of the company.   

 
How to Prevent Age Discrimination in the Workplace:

1. Strive to maintain a diverse workforce - be careful of basing your hiring decisions on assumptions. Make sure you base your hiring decisions on facts, like skills demonstrated, and not basing it on assumptions, such as assuming older workers don’t want to collaborate with younger workers

2. Avoid issues with your job descriptions - be mindful of how you describe skills.  Be careful of using words like ‘’young and energetic’’. Rather use words that describe the candidate's work ethic like “motivated” or “dedicated” and focus on describing the role and not the person.

3. What information do you really need for the application - you can always ask for more information later.

4. Be careful not to generalise - never assume that a candidate cannot keep up or will not understand the technology.  

Let me know if you have any questions. Just hit reply to this email. Welcome!

JOIN my MEMBERSHIP to make sure you do not miss out on regular EFFECTIVE HUMAN RESOURCES TIPS.

Sign up for the BEST BOSS CLUB membership here.

For more information, contact AF Consulting.

Is Age Discrimination in the Workplace Real?

AF Consulting

AF Consulting in Hermanus specialises in human resources, recruitment, labour relations and training in the workplace. Human Resources Consultant, Arina Fyfer, is available to personally assist you in a focused recruitment process when hiring employees. AF Consulting’s HR service packages are tail...

View Profile

What is Xplorio?

Xplorio is your local connection allowing you to find anything and everything about a town.

WATCH THE VIDEO: Welcome to Hermanus
Read More

Other Articles

Dream Bigger: Unlock Your Full Potential

Dream Bigger: Unlock Your Full Potential

Why stop at your first dream? Dream big, and then dream even bigger. 

Stunning New Diamond Rings

Stunning New Diamond Rings

We’re thrilled to announce that our latest collection of diamond rings has just arrived at Tanzanites and Diamonds of Hermanus!

How to Support Dyslexia in the Workplace: Tips and Tools

How to Support Dyslexia in the Workplace: Tips and Tools

Let's talk about dyslexia in the workplace. 

AF Consulting
Your One-Stop Solution for Stylish Fencing and Gates!

Your One-Stop Solution for Stylish Fencing and Gates!

Elevate your space with The Beach House Hub - Your one-stop solution for all your fencing and gate needs! 

The Beach House Hub
Unlock Your Startup's Growth with Transformation Coaching

Unlock Your Startup's Growth with Transformation Coaching

Are you ready to take your startup to the next level?

How to Promote Positivity in Your Business This October

How to Promote Positivity in Your Business This October

October is Positive Attitude Month, and as a business owner, maintaining a positive mindset is essential.

AF Consulting
See All Articles