Ageism at work help

ERICS_MUM

re the missed phone - when your boss mentioned it, you could said "pardon" in a serious tone and then smile at the look on his face.

When the kids are going on about your age, just say you need some young legs to nip out and get you a coffee.

If you feel comfy(ish) doing it, try to join in with quips about age and theirs.

mgdavid

Are you 40 going on 50, or 40 going on 30? If the former you might consider changing job, if the latter you'll probably soon be accepted and respected.

CH27

I would go in with a zimmer frame & an ear trumpet

gfplux

First step, tell your work mates politely and firmly you don't like that type of banter or bullying.
If that does not do the trick tell your line manager you feel you are being bullied and discriminated against.
If you are the top performer he will look after you.

gfplux

It is also against the law.
This is from the acas site.

Age discrimination

Key points

The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful to discriminate against employees, job seekers and trainees because of their age.

There are four types of age discrimination:

direct discrimination: treating someone less favourably because of their actual or perceived age, or because of the age of someone with whom they associate. This treatment can only be justified if it is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim which means it must be appropriate and necessary, (economic factors such as business needs and efficiency may be legitimate aims).

indirect discrimination: can occur where there is a policy, practice or procedure which applies to all workers, but particularly disadvantages people of a particular age. For example, a requirement for job applicants to have worked in a particular industry for ten years may disadvantage younger people. Indirect discrimination can only be justified if it is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.

harassment: when unwanted conduct related to age has the purpose or effect of violating an individual's dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual.

victimisation: unfair treatment of an employee who has made or supported a complaint about age discrimination.
Note: Objective justification means that differences of treatment on the grounds of age can sometimes be justified; objective justification is a test that employers will have to use to substantiate any exemptions to the laws.

The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful to discriminate against employees, job seekers and trainees because of their age. The Equality Act states there is no upper age limits on unfair dismissal and redundancy. The regulations apply to all workers, including office holders, police, barristers and partners in a business. They also cover related areas such as membership of trade organisations, the award of qualifications, the services of careers guidance organisations, employment agencies and vocational training providers, including further and higher education institutions.

Employers should ensure they have policies in place which are designed to prevent discrimination in:

recruitment and selection
determining pay
training and development
selection for promotion
discipline and grievances
countering bullying and harassment.
Making a claim regarding age discrimination

If someone feels they have been discriminated against, they may be able to bring a claim to an Employment Tribunal. However, it's best to talk to the employer first to try to sort out the matter informally, in order to minimise the negative effects on all parties involved.

Call the Acas Helpline on 0300 123 1100 for free advice on specific problems, and alternatives to an Employment Tribunal claim, such as Mediation or Early Conciliation, where appropriate.

Indie_Kid

Can't see how any of that is ageism.

purpleshoes_2

I dont think its age discrimination either, but its not nice. Being less favourably treated because of age or someone trying to get you to retire would be.

This is more inappropriate behaviour from colleagues, it would come under bullying and harassment if it got more serious or happened over a prolonged period of time. Its already been 6 months I assume, it does need to be nipped in the bud somehow.

duchy

Buzzybee90 wrote: »

I looked on it more as misguided help (the hearing) than a snide comment, obviously we weren't there and tone could change things a lot.

I'd have laughed and said I'm forty eight not eighty eight...............Dear.

They just sound immature -they'll either grow up or move on.
I work with a lot of youngsters they can occasionally be crass but it's rarely malicious and certainly not ageist by my definitiobn of the word.

missbiggles1

Edwardia wrote: »

I think the banter could be an attempt to cover up their feelings of discomfort at working with someone a lot older. They don't really know how to deal with you, thinking there's no shared interests or reference points.

Instead of the stuff about talking about your age being old, which could come across as lecturing, I'd suggest meeting them halfway.

I'm not suggesting you swallow the whole online urban dictionary, dye your hair purple and listen to Radio One until your ears bleed but there are decent films, TV shows and music out there.

You could wander about on YouTube and find music you like and there are a couple of websites at least which suggest new stuff based on things you like already. Tastekid Gnoostic Musicplasma

You sound as prejudiced as the people she works with. Unless she lives in a vacuum somewhere, the OP presumably watches current films and TV just like the rest of us, whether we're 20 or 80!

cloudy-day

^^ This.

As an also 48 year old who works with ages from 21 to 63, I find micky taking far more effective than letting anyone know they're getting to you.

Also, our advanced years mean you should by now have a great store of wise cracks in return. My favourite when someone comments how much younger they are than me is the old stand by - 'Wow I thought you were much older, did you have a hard life'? or 'Well with age comes wisdom, I'm here if you need any help with anything you can't manage'.

A dazzling smile when you say these helps also....assuming you still have all your own teeth! :rotfl: