Richard Wahlquist, the CEO of the American Staffing Association, has called for a united front between human resources (HR) leaders and policymakers to tackle age discrimination in the employment sector. Despite existing legal frameworks designed to protect against such bias, ageism persists as a formidable barrier, particularly affecting the 60-78 age bracket. These individuals overwhelmingly perceive their age as a detriment to their job search, a sentiment not as pronounced in younger demographics.
Wahlquist’s advocacy for a shift in the labor market’s perception of older workers is crucial. He underscores the substantial knowledge and workplace skills that mature workers accumulate over their careers, assets he believes are underappreciated yet vital to America’s current and future economic landscape.
The significance of collaborative efforts in combating age discrimination was also highlighted during an event by the Center for Workforce Inclusion. It was acknowledged that the responsibility to curb age bias in the workplace does not solely lie with policymakers but extends to employers as well. HR professionals, in particular, are positioned to spearhead transformative changes in recruitment and hiring processes.
The challenge of ageism in hiring practices is not just a legal or ethical issue but a strategic misstep for businesses. Employers often publicly acknowledge the value of the experience and skills that older workers bring, yet this recognition frequently fails to translate into hiring practices. This inconsistency points to a gap between expressed values and actual behavior on the part of hiring managers.
To bridge this gap, HR departments are encouraged to take a proactive stance in reevaluating and refining their recruitment strategies. By setting definitive hiring standards and conducting targeted training, HR can ensure that hiring managers fully appreciate and leverage the potential that older workers offer. This approach not only helps in aligning organizational practices with anti-ageism laws but also enhances the diversity of skills and experiences within the workforce, fostering a more inclusive and productive work environment.
