Age Discrimination in Florida on the Rise

The following article is from FCHR Commissioner Mario Valle of Naples. This article covers the recent increase in age discrimination cases seen by the Florida Commission on Human Relations, and how employers can ensure discrimination-free workplaces.

Did you know that May is Older Americans Month?

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Age Discrimination in Florida is on the Rise
Unfortunately, older Americans often face discrimination and stereotyping in the workplace. In addition to being viewed as senile, seniors are often thought of as generally incompetent, suffering from physical disabilities, lacking in technological skills, and unable (or unwilling) to learn new things.
As the state agency which enforces the state’s civil rights laws, we are all too aware of the discriminatory actions which continue to plague our seniors. In fact, the number of age discrimination cases closed by the Commission has increased every year since 2004. During the 2007-2008 fiscal year, 20% of employment complaints closed by the Commission were based on age discrimination. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has reported that age-discrimination allegations by employees are at a record high, jumping 29% to 24,600 filed in the year ended Sept. 30, up from 19,103 in 2007.
It is important for businesses to realize that a workforce of individuals from a variety of age groups can be very beneficial. Older workers have years of experience that can be used to teach and mentor younger, less experienced workers.
Managers and business owners should find ways to work with their employees by learning how to communicate across generations, allowing for collaborative decision making, creating a support system that will allow employees to openly talk about issues they may be facing, and utilizing team building exercises to create unity among staff members. Most importantly, business owners and managers must stay abreast of Florida’s anti-discrimination laws and implement sound workplace policies to ensure fair treatment for all.
Lets work together to ensure that Florida’s businesses, and seniors, thrive! For more information on age discrimination, please visit the Florida Commission on Human Relations’ web site at http://fchr.state.fl.us/.
- Commissioner Mario Valle (Naples)