Does ageism exist in your workplace?

poll by Monster.ie reveals 37% think age is factor when recruiting

Positive ageism week starts Monday 28th September to 4th October.

Age discrimination against workers is rife at interview-stage, according to a recent Europe-wide survey by Monster.

With 25% of Irelandís population is over 50, Monster reveals that a large proportion is still being treated unfairly at work.

Given concerted efforts to remove all forms of discrimination at work on the grounds of sex, religion and disability, ageism continues to be one of the most prevalent forms of workplace bias.

The Monster Meter asked, ìDo you feel that ageism exists in your workplace?î Almost 7,000 respondents across Europe took part in this survey, which revealed:

58% said: ìYes, age is obviously a factor when considering candidates.î
22% said: ìA bit, it seems my company prefers candidates in a certain age bracket.î
20% said: ìNo, people of all ages are considered for positions.î


Monster.ie asked visitors to the Irish website: ìDo you feel that ageism exists in the workplace?î

37% said: ìYes, age is obviously a factor when considering candidates.î
40% said: ìA bit, it seems my company prefers candidates in a certain age bracket.î
23 % said: ìNo, people of all ages are considered for positions.î


France and the UK had the highest number of workers, 71% and 66%, who felt age was an issue during the recruitment process. The Netherlands followed closely behind with 66% of voters choosing this category. In Ireland and Finland voting was more moderate but 40% and 35% respectively still admit there is a tendency for their company to hire staff in a certain age bracket. With a European average of 80% for those workers who feel that age was either a major or at least a slight consideration for their company when hiring, this survey is a call to action for employers that age diversity must rise up the agenda.


Alan Townsend, Managing Director Monster.ie commented:

ìOver the next decade, as baby-boomers exit the employment market, we are heading towards one of the worst labour shortages in our lifetime. Attitudes towards age need to change before this demographic shift leaves businesses short of the right skills. Itís in the interests of employers to recognise there is a business case for retaining or hiring older employees. More mature workers bring wider skills, a wealth of experience and often a sense of reliability that can have a positive impact on companies.î

Countries such as Denmark appear to have more enlightened attitudes towards older workers with 38% of voters convinced that ageism does not come into play at interview-stage. Next is Finland with 34%, followed by Norway with 26%, making the Nordics the most progressive geography for hiring more mature staff. However, Sweden is the exception to this rule where as many as 64% believe ageism is a factor for companies when considering candidates.

The EU Employment Directive on Equal Treatment has issued a 2006 deadline for member states to implement age discrimination legislation. In Ireland the Employment Equality Act of 1998 and the Equal Status Act of 2000 includes older people under anti discrimination legislation.

For more information on Positive Ageing Week, log on to www.monster.ie or