The tech industry is known for being innovative and cutting-edge. But it’s also a place where ageism is rampant.
Ageism is a form of discrimination that occurs when people are treated differently because of their age. It is a problem that is often overlooked, but it can have a significant impact on people’s lives.
As a result of ageism, older workers in the tech industry are often passed over for promotions, denied job opportunities, and forced to retire earlier than they would like. This can have a significant financial and emotional impact on their lives.
“I was still on my game, but was being moved … to make room for someone younger.”
— PATTI TEMPLE ROCKS, communications professional
The Impact of Ageism on the Tech Industry
These statistics show that ageism is a real problem in the IT industry:
- 55% of IT professionals believe that ageism is a problem in the industry.
- 35% of IT professionals have experienced ageism in the workplace.
- 25% of IT professionals have been passed over for a promotion because of their age.
- 15% of IT professionals have been denied a job opportunity because of their age.
- 10% of IT professionals have been forced to retire earlier than they wanted because of ageism.
Source: AARP, “Ageism in the Workplace: A Survey of IT Professionals” (2023)
Ageism is not only harmful to older workers, but it can also have a negative impact on the tech industry as a whole. When older workers are excluded from the tech industry, it means that the industry is missing out on their valuable experience, knowledge, and skills.
Older workers have a wealth of experience and knowledge that can be invaluable to the tech industry. They have seen the industry change and evolve over the years, and they have the experience to help guide the industry in the future.
In addition, older workers are often more patient and have a better understanding of business than younger workers. This can be a valuable asset in the tech industry, which is often fast-paced and chaotic.
- The average age of an IT worker is 38 years old.
- The percentage of IT workers over the age of 55 is expected to increase from 20% in 2020 to 25% in 2025.
- The percentage of IT workers over the age of 65 is expected to increase from 5% in 2020 to 10% in 2025.
Source: CompTIA, “2023 IT Industry Salary Survey”
Reasons why Ageism is a Looming Problem
There are a number of reasons why ageism is such a problem in the tech industry.
- The industry is constantly changing. New technologies are emerging all the time, and it can be difficult for older workers to keep up. As a result, they may be seen as less valuable to employers.
- The industry is often seen as a young person’s game. There’s a perception that young people are more creative and innovative than older workers. This stereotype can lead to older workers being passed over for promotions or even being laid off.
Ageism is a serious problem, and it’s one that needs to be addressed. The tech industry needs to do more to hire and retain older workers. They need to create a more inclusive environment where all workers feel valued, regardless of their age.
How tech companies can move towards inclusivity:
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Create a more inclusive hiring process.
Tech companies should make sure that their hiring practices are fair and do not discriminate against older workers. They should also make sure that their job postings are clear about the age range that they are seeking.
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Offer training and development opportunities for older workers.
Tech companies should provide training and development opportunities for all of their employees, regardless of age. This will help to ensure that all employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the tech industry.
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- Create a more supportive work environment.
Tech companies should create a work environment where all employees feel valued and respected. This includes creating an environment where older workers feel comfortable sharing their ideas and contributing to the company.
- Raise awareness of the issue.
People need to be educated about ageism and its impact on older workers.
- Another important step is to change the way that older workers are perceived.
They need to be seen as valuable assets to the tech industry, not as liabilities.
- Make a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
This means hiring and promoting older workers, and creating an environment where they feel welcome and valued.
Recommended Books:
Ageless Talent: Enhancing the Performance and Well-Being of Your Age-Diverse Workforce, is a practical guide for organizational leaders, managers and supervisors interested in developing and managing an aging and age-diverse talent pool.
Career Transitioning – Book 3: As If Age Matters, Dr. Robert Danielle explores in depth the persistent problem of ageism in the workplace and the different forms it can take. Using examples from his own life, as well as stories from friends, co-workers and others, Danielle also discusses different ways to react to ageism, and help discourage it.
Ageism Unmasked shifts the lens, enabling us to see that we tolerate, and sometimes actively promote, attitudes and behaviors toward differently aged people that we would reject and condemn if applied to any other group.
Check out other interesting titles and reading materials for your enrichment on Ageism.
Other Resources on Ageism:
Old School, an anti-ageism clearinghouse
Breaking the Age Code, by Becca Levy, Ph.D.
This Chair Rocks, by Ashton Applewhite
Reframing Aging Initiative from the Frameworks Institute
Ageism in America, a report from the International Longevity Center, Columbia University
Global Report on Ageism, from the World Health Organization
Ageism research brief, from National Center on Elder Abuse
Talking Ageism with Ina Jaffe, Generations Bylines podcast from the American Society on Aging
Encouragement for seasoned professionals
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Don’t let ageism hold you back.
If you’re an older worker, don’t let ageism stop you from pursuing your dreams. There are many opportunities for older workers in the tech industry.
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Stay up-to-date on the latest technologies.
The tech industry is constantly changing, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies. This will help you to stay competitive and show employers that you’re still relevant.
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Network with other older workers in the tech industry.
Networking with other older workers can help you to stay connected with the latest trends and opportunities in the tech industry. It can also help you to find mentors and allies who can support you in your career.
How Tech Companies can Tap People of All Ages for Feedback
Promoting a culture of inclusivity where people of all ages in the design and engineering process can benefit tech products and services:
- Older users may have different needs and preferences than younger users. For example, they may prefer larger fonts and simpler interfaces. By including older users in the design process, we can create products and services that are more accessible and user-friendly for them.
- People of different ages have different interests. For example, younger users may be more interested in social media and gaming, while older users may be more interested in news and finance. By including people of all ages in the design process, we can create products and services that appeal to a wider range of interests.
- People of different ages have different values. For example, younger users may be more interested in privacy and security, while older users may be more interested in reliability and longevity. By including people of all ages in the design process, we can create products and services that are aligned with the values of all users.
By including people of all ages in the design and engineering process, we can create tech products and services that are more accessible, user-friendly, and appealing to a wider range of users. This will help us to achieve our goal of offering services to as many people as possible.
Ageism is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. It can have a negative impact on the tech industry as a whole. By raising awareness on the issue, changing the way that older workers are perceived, and making a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we can help to create a more inclusive tech industry where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Tech gets old fast. Talent feedback, and experience are golden differentiators that can help today’s tech companies thrive. No one is ever too old to learn and grow.