New research published by the Australian HR Institute, together with the Australian Human Rights Commission, shows almost half of Australian businesses say they are reluctant to recruit older workers.
The report, Employing and Retaining Older Workers, surveyed 604 human resources professionals and business leaders.
It found that almost 47 percent of respondents said their organisation would be reluctant to recruit workers over a certain age, although the specific age barrier varied from workplace to workplace.
Age Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Kay Patterson, said the findings show too many businesses are still missing out on the advantages that come from hiring and retaining older workers.
Departures do cause a loss of key skills
“Older workers bring professional knowledge and experience to the workplace. Sixty percent of respondents said the departure of older workers had caused a loss of key skills in their organisation, yet businesses are still failing to learn this lesson.
“Age diverse workplaces are good for business and for the economy. Failing to hire and retain older workers is a missed opportunity for everyone,” Patterson said.
The report also found the age at which workers are considered ‘older’ is becoming progressively younger.
Twenty-eight percent of respondents defined an ‘older worker’ as 61 to 65 years old, making it the most commonly nominated age range. However, almost 17 percent classified older workers as 51 to 54 years old in 2021, a notable jump since 2018.
This is despite more workplaces reporting they have an older workforce. For example, just over 12 percent of business said more than half their workforce was over 50 years old – a rise of 6 percent since 2018.
Fewer businesses have a defined age limit
But the report did show what the researchers called “a satisfying” ongoing drop in the numbers of organisations who say they ‘definitely’ or ‘probably’ have an age above which they are reluctant to recruit. This number has dropped by almost 25 percent since the 2014 survey was done.
Sarah McCann-Bartlett, CEO of the Australian HR Institute, said the survey’s results highlight the persistent prevalence of ageism within Australian businesses.
“Our research has shown that a disproportionate number of older workers are facing discrimination in the workforce, which is an issue that unconscious bias plays a big part in.
“Ageism against older workers doesn’t even necessarily stem from negative feelings – older people are often viewed as loyal and reliable. However, when nearly a quarter of businesses don’t actively implement any recruitment practices to encourage age diversity, ageism is the inevitable result,” she said.
