It isn’t uncommon for workers in California and throughout the country to be victims of age discrimination. In some cases, managers or colleagues may not even realize that they are engaging in illegal behavior. For instance, a manager may be hesitant to hire an older worker out of concern that he or she wouldn’t fit in with the younger employees. Colleagues may perceive an older worker as less energetic or less likely to understand how to use modern technology.
Individuals who are 40 or older are encouraged to take steps to show that they are capable of being valuable to an organization. For instance, they should take time to learn about new tools that employees and managers use to communicate or complete tasks with. They are also encouraged to pay attention to their physical appearance and how they dress. Conveying a youthful or modern look may help individuals show that they are approachable and worth embracing as a colleague.
In some cases, it can be a good idea for an older worker to be an early adopter of new technology. This can help to show others that he or she is capable of evolving as trends in business change over time. Finally, a person will want to display good communication and other interpersonal skills in an effort to develop and retain quality relationships at work.
Individuals who feel as if they have been discriminated against at work may want to take legal action against their employers. An attorney may be able to help a person resolve a workplace discrimination case either at trial or by using alternate dispute resolution methods. Hiring records or statements made by a manager may be used as evidence that an older worker was treated differently simply because of that person’s age.