Rica Bhattacharyya, The Economic Times

31% of employees in India experienced ageism at work


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A recent article posted on The Economic Times speaks about how a study by Randstad India has revealed that 31% of Indian emplovees have experienced bias or discrimination due to their age at work. The study, which covered nearly 1,000 respondents, found that pharma, healthcare & life sciences, and business process outsourcing/IT-enabled services were the sectors where the highest proportions of respondents experienced ageism. Construction, infrastructure, and real estate followed closely, with 41% of respondents experiencing ageism.

 

A new study on ageism at workplace has found that about 31% of employees in India experienced a bias or discrimination at work because of their age.

The study by talent management company

Randstad India found that pharma, healthcare & life sciences as well as business process outsourcing/IT-enabled services were the two sectors where the highest proportions of respondents (43% experienced ageism.

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These sectors were followed closely by construction, infrastructure and real estate where 41% of respondents said they experienced ageism, according to the study titled 'Beyond Numbers: Intergenerational Insights on Ageism'.

The study, which covered almost 1,000respondents, revealed that 40% of the survey workforce have either experienced or witnessed ageism at work (did not face ageism themselves but saw it happening to others).

"Ageism is one of the most overlooked unconscious biases made at the workplace across levels," said Viswanath PS, MD & CEO,Randstad India.

"Overcoming ageism requires a conscious effort to recognise and challenge stereotypes to create an environment where experience and fresh perspectives are equally valued. By fostering an inclusive culture that embraces employees of all ages, organisations can harness the full potential of their workforce, driving collaboration, innovation and growth," he added.

"It is essential that we recognise the unique contributions that individuals of all age groups bring to the table and work actively to integrate their experiences into the fabric of our companies."

"It is essential that we recognise the unique contributions that individuals of all age groups bring to the table and work actively to integrate their experiences into the fabric of our companies."

 

The study revealed that 42% of employees aged below 55 years experienced or witnessed ageism at the workplace, compared to 29% of employees aged above 55 years. Fewer respondents aged under 35 years (51%) agreed their contribution was valued because of their age, compared to respondents aged above 35 years (63%).

About 27% of all respondents felt they were not fairly compensated due to their age.

The data suggested that younger age group: faced more age discrimination than older age groups. There was a general lack of trust in the youngest age group's abilities and skills while the oldest age group experienced the privilege of age-based and seniority-based respect.

About 42% of women reported experiencing or witnessing ageism, compared to 37% of men, a reflection of how ageism at work intersects with other dimensions of diversity.

Employees from Indian MNCs (Indian companies with global presence) reported higher instances of ageism, with 41% affirming they faced age-related biases. On the other hand, of respondents from MNGs headquartered outside of India, 29% agreed there was age-related bias in their workplace.

 

Read more at:

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com//jobs/hr-policies-trends/31-of-employees-in-india-experienced-ageism-at-work-randstad/articleshow/110662440.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst