Answer these questions honestly to determine how you’re doing on addressing ageism in the workplace and where improvements or changes might be in order:
- Have you personally asked employees over age 50 what they experience at work? What are they feeling?
- Are your training and development opportunities designed/developed with all employees in mind?
- Does you employee handbook address age discrimination?
- Does your team always plan outings or parties that are suitable for all age groups?
- Do you have older employees who are suddenly less enthusiastic? Have you made an effort to find out why?
- Are your flexibility programs really for everyone?
- Does your business send the message that it’s all about 20-somethings?
- Do you include age issues in diversity efforts?
- Are you making assumptions and practicing unconscious bias?
- Have your HR practices kept up with the times?
- Are you giving your older workers a chance to be involved in succession planning?
- Are you allowing some stereotypes of older workers to fester in your organization?
