As more and more workers are choosing to stay in the workplace rather than taking an early retirement, older employees – especially women – are confronting age discrimination in increasing numbers. Many times, despite having track records of success, older workers are seen as “dinosaurs,” often disrespected and potentially replaced by younger workers. Fortunately, federal law protects against age discrimination.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits discrimination against workers aged 40 or older in terms of employment, including failure to hire or promote, and terminating older employees in favor of younger ones. Many work places assume that older workers are looking to slow down, although the opposite is often true, with older workers who have taken time off to raise children looking to throw themselves back into their careers. Unfortunately proving age discrimination may be difficult to prove. However, consulting with an experienced Atlanta age discrimination lawyer can help ensure you have the best possible chance to prove your case.
While employers should do the right thing and not engage in age discrimination, a few tips can help protect you from being replaced by a younger employee. This includes understanding your value and ensuring your boss or company is aware of your accomplishments. Further, it is important to nurture relationships across different age groups and have advocates outside of your immediate peer group. Finally, it is important that you know your rights and what is and is not protected behavior pursuant to the ADEA.
For more information or if you believe that you have suffered any form of age discrimination, please contact the dedicated Georgia discrimination lawyers at Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP for an immediate case evaluation.