How workplace ageism hurts everyone—and the bottom line | Samantha Dzabic | TEDxBurleigh Heads

Summary

The speaker addresses the issue of ageism, particularly in the tech industry, where older professionals like Benjamin face rejection due to their age. Despite having valuable experience, older workers struggle to find employment, with many being ghosted or dismissed as overqualified. The speaker reflects on the emotional and physical toll of age discrimination and highlights the societal impact, particularly on health. Drawing inspiration from Indigenous cultures that embrace age diversity, the speaker urges us to challenge ageism, promote inclusivity, and build a 'village' where every age is valued, emphasizing that change begins with individual action.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ageism in the tech industry is prevalent, with older workers being overlooked for younger talent despite their experience and skills.
• 😀 Benjamin, a tech professional, faced age discrimination and struggled to find a job despite being highly qualified, showing the challenges older workers face in today’s job market.
• 😀 Ageism is not limited to the tech industry but is widespread, even in other fields like healthcare, where seniors often experience exclusion and marginalization.
• 😀 Despite the difficulties, older individuals are still eager to work, with many over 50 needing and wanting to remain employed for financial and social reasons.
• 😀 Research indicates that only a small percentage of employers are willing to hire individuals over 60, even though there is a shortage of experienced workers.
• 😀 Age discrimination not only affects people professionally but also harms mental and physical health, leading to emotional distress, stress, and long-term health issues.
• 😀 Humor and jokes about aging perpetuate negative stereotypes, subtly reinforcing societal ageism and making it harder to address openly.
• 😀 Indigenous cultures, particularly in Australia, recognize the value of elders and the wisdom they bring, emphasizing inclusion across generations.
• 😀 The solution to ageism begins with individuals dismantling their own prejudices, raising awareness, and challenging assumptions about aging in the workplace.
• 😀 Leaders in organizations should scrutinize their hiring practices and be aware of the language used in job ads, as words like 'fresh' and 'new' can exclude older candidates.
• 😀 Acknowledge the aging process and celebrate the wisdom and experience that comes with it, building a more inclusive society where age is no longer a barrier to success.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the speaker's talk?

The central theme of the talk is ageism, particularly in the workplace and society, and the importance of embracing all ages, valuing experience, and dismantling age-related prejudices.

How does the speaker describe their personal experience with ageism?

The speaker describes how, at the age of 62, they found themselves ignored by younger people, rejected in job applications, and targeted by businesses offering senior services, leading them to feel invisible and dismissed due to their age.

What does the speaker suggest about the hiring practices in Silicon Valley?

The speaker highlights that in Silicon Valley, ageism is prevalent, with younger individuals being favored for tech roles, often because they are seen as smarter, more desirable, and more cost-effective. This results in older workers being overlooked.

What is the impact of ageism on mental and physical health according to the speaker?

Ageism leads to emotional pain, humiliation, and stress, which can trigger physical health issues like elevated cortisol levels, inflammation, and chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

What research does the speaker refer to regarding ageism in hiring in Australia?

The speaker references research from the Australian Human Resources Institute, which found that only a quarter of employers considered candidates over 60, and one in six would not even consider them for a job.

How does ageism affect society, according to the speaker?

Ageism harms societal cohesion by excluding older individuals and denying them roles in the community. This exclusion damages the potential for intergenerational collaboration and the sharing of valuable experiences and wisdom.

What example does the speaker give about the portrayal of aging in media and culture?

The speaker gives the example of Christian Dior, which made 32-year-old Cara Delevingne the face of its anti-wrinkle cream line, illustrating how society often elevates youth over the wisdom and experience of older individuals.

What role do indigenous cultures play in addressing ageism?

Indigenous cultures, such as those in Australia, value the wisdom of elders, who are seen as custodians of ancestral knowledge. These cultures practice intergenerational inclusion, highlighting the importance of respecting all ages.

What does the speaker suggest individuals do to combat ageism?

The speaker suggests that individuals challenge their own prejudices about aging, pay attention to age-related language in job ads, and openly discuss ageism in their workplaces to bring it into the light and drive change.

What is the significance of the speaker's story about Benjamin, the techie from Silicon Valley?

Benjamin’s story illustrates how older individuals can regain respect and relevance in their careers by sharing their experience and mentoring younger generations, which leads to renewed visibility and opportunities.