SEEK JUSTICE BY SPEAKING TO OUR AGE DISCRIMINATION LAWYERS LOS ANGELES
In today’s modern workplace, much of the talk regarding discrimination is related to race, gender, or cultural issues. However, one that is rarely discussed but is perhaps the most prevalent discrimination of all is age discrimination. In fact, according to a survey by AARP, nearly 70 percent of people ages 45-74 stated they had experienced age discrimination in the workplace.
Unfortunately for these and other older workers, companies believe people aged 65 or over should automatically retire from the workplace. Due to societal thinking, most companies tend to think that older workers cannot adapt to changes in the workplace and are less capable than their younger counterparts.
Why Retire at 65?
There is essentially an entire industry dedicated to convincing older workers that they should retire once they reach age 65. As a result, companies use this to their advantage to force out older workers and hire younger replacements. They often start at salaries far lower than what they were paying older, more experienced workers. Due to companies wanting to save money rather than value the experience of older workers, age discrimination can often run rampant within a company. If you find yourself the victim of age discrimination in the workplace, contact our Los Angeles law firm, Mann & Elias.
The Value of Experience
Recent studies show older workers benefit companies in various ways. Workers over age 40 are three times more likely to be collaborative, patient, and willing to put their egos aside. Whereas younger workers are often focused on a need to prove themselves to move up the career ladder. Due to these conflicting traits younger workers in management positions often decline to hire older workers fearing replacement. If you believe age discrimination of this nature occurred when you applied for a job for which you were well-qualified, do not hesitate to contact our Los Angeles workplace lawyer at Mann Elias.
The Myth of Mental Decline
For many companies that do everything possible to avoid hiring older workers, one of their most prominent reasons is the supposed mental decline people have as they age into their 60’s or beyond. However, studies have shown that older people who stay employed in meaningful positions lose little if any mental prowess compared to younger workers. While scientific evidence points to cognitive declines beginning in all people over age 30, these same studies also show that knowledge and expertise can increase well past age 80. As a result, older workers can use this thirst for knowledge and intellectual curiosity to adapt to workplace changes, such as technology, far better than many companies expect. Don’t sit back and avoid acting if you believe you were relieved of your duties due to your age. Instead, contact a discrimination attorney LA residents know will fight for them, such as one from Mann & Elias.
Teaching Job Recruiters Not To Discriminate
As the U.S. economy continues to grow companies are having difficulty finding enough workers to fill open positions. While you would assume this would lead to more opportunities for older workers, you would be mistaken. Despite the need for workers, many job recruiters at companies large and small continue to have biases against older workers. In many situations, recruiters will use various tactics to discourage older applicants or use their biases to decline hiring older individuals. Should you discover you were not considered for a position with a company for non-specific reasons, this is an illegal employment practice. Rather than walk away, choose to hold the employer accountable for their actions by speaking with our age discrimination lawyers in Los Angeles.
Age-Diverse Teams
For companies that learn to value the experience and wisdom of older workers, age-diverse teams are the norm. In numerous studies of workplaces that used this approach in hiring, findings showed innovation and productivity soared. This was primarily due to companies putting older workers in mentoring positions, allowing them to use their wisdom and life experience to guide younger workers when necessary.
If you experience age discrimination in the workplace, never forget to contact a Los Angeles employment lawyer to discuss your case in greater detail. To do so, contact our attorneys at Mann & Elias. By taking this initial step, you will find yourself consulting with our LA age discrimination attorney seniors who know will defend their rights each step of the way.