In the workplace, discrimination can ruin projects, shatter careers and upend the lives of victims. People face discrimination for many different reasons, and some experience mistreatment on the basis of their age. Sadly, some workers 40 and over lose their position, struggle with a demotion or have their applications rejected solely because of their age, even though they outperform younger workers.
It is very important for employers, managers, employees and job applicants to review data on age discrimination to recognize the scope of this problem.
Age discrimination statistics
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provides data that sheds light on the prevalence of age discrimination in the U.S. In fiscal year 2022, the EEOC received 11,500 age discrimination receipts, and this does not count charges filed with local and state agencies. In addition, even more people filed age discrimination charges in previous years. In fiscal year 2021, the EEOC saw more than 12,900 age discrimination receipts, compared to fiscal year 2019 (15,573) and fiscal year 2016 (20,857).
Age discrimination resolutions
The EEOC says that in fiscal year 2022, age discrimination cases resulted in 12,082 resolutions, 794 settlements, 1,882 merit resolutions and 877 withdrawals with benefits. Over the course of the year, age discrimination charges resulted in the payout of $69.4 million in monetary benefits (not counting benefits received due to litigation).
Unfortunately, some people stay silent after experiencing age discrimination, such as those who worry about retaliation or do not realize that negative experiences they have had represent violations of their rights.
