Age discrimination, also known as ageism, means treating people differently because of their age, or less favorably. This commonly happens in the workplace when an employer shows favoritism for a younger worker over an older worker. Age discrimination is unlawful and it is important to clearly understand the importance of ensuring your business is following the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, also known as ADEA.
ADEA impacts organizations with 20 or more employees for 20 or more weeks in the current or previous year. The law forbids age discrimination against people who are of age 40 or older. The ADEA requires covered employers to prevent and avoid age discrimination in all aspects of employment including hiring, wages, work assignments, bonuses, promotions, discipline and termination.
Additionally, many states have age discrimination laws that affect lower employee counts as well as applying to younger workers. It is important to verify whether your state has additional laws in place that may affect your organization’s compliance on age discrimination.
Basing employment decisions only on factors that are job related in the best way to avoid age discrimination.
For more information on the ADEA, click here.