To think diversity and inclusion in employment rarely includes age

[teneastereggs]

Just that really. I've noticed that there's a lot more emphasis on diversity, which is great, but then for example even in the photos of staff they're all young. It doesn't feel to me as if diversity in workplaces has extended to age yet. AIBU?

That poor speaker, having to talk about stuff that doesn’t exist.

And ofc agism data won’t come from organisations because it’s illegal.

There’s a difference between self declaration (what you’ve posted and what comes up with you Google this) and statistical data. The former is certainly interesting, particularly from a sociological point of view, but it’s not actual proof of ageism. It’s proof that people think they’re being discriminated against because of age. Not quite the same thing.

As the actual data illustrates that older people are well represented within most stages (not entry level) of employment, it would appear that said perceptions are not reflective of reality. This will obviously skew by industry, but we’re speaking generally.

Give it a rest! 😊

This sounds good. It’s unusual to see a thread that’s very committed to not recognising ageism especially for women.

Usually it’s an accepted factor

If you want to moan about being overlooked because you're of a certain age you can do that without implying it's all those minorities occupying what would have otherwise been your job

WTAF. I find this offensive, as I detest racism and haven't for one minute ever thought this. Vile.

I agree that it could depend on work sector. There seem to be some on the thread determined to say ageism doesn't exist for some reason. I thought it was well known. I do think where you've got websites and photos saying how diverse you are, there ought to be the odd over 45 year old person in there, yes. Same as if you had a website saying how diverse a company was and there was photos of people all in their mid 40s to 60s. That would feel odd and wrong to me as well.

I thought I was the comic relief!

Plus I’m trapped under a sleeping baby, so literally nothing better to do.

I’m on a phone so won’t be sifting through data, but I’ve read years ago that men reach their highest salary (career peak) at 49. Women at 39. Ageism is real and hits women harder, unless you are very senior or have niche skills.
Also US companies (even in the UK) tend to mince through young-ish execs in their 30s and 40s, then it’s up or out when they’ve squeezed them out of their most productive years.

Ageism exists and disproportionately affects women in the workplace. That’s not what OP posted about, though. She’s arguing that D&I initiatives should be targeting older people (as an overarching group) and that doesn’t really make any sense.

If she’d focussed on women of X age, and the obstacles they face, we’d be having a very different conversation.

Right? It’s actually mental to me that posters are totally changing the topic that OP began
to post about, until she changed her focus like 3/4 times during the course of the thread.

What do you mean by initiatives specifically?

Would a return to work programme after a long break be something set up to help older women in particular?

Be included in those initiatives that should say

I would have thought it was obvious that older women was mainly the issue I'm talking about because it's Mumsnet? Age discrimination, and that diversity and inclusion should age. I'm saying that firms are doing more diversity and inclusion (good) but that doesn't seem to include age. That's what I've said and what I think. People want to tell me I'm imagining age discrimination but I know I'm not. Women will have had the experience of applying for jobs when they're younger so they know if it has changed.

*that diversity and inclusion should INCLUDE age

I hadn't actually defined or proposed D&I initiatives.

But, yes, some workplaces (at least two of which I’m aware) have set up programmes to specifically support women returning to work after long periods off for childcare. I also know of a women in tech initiative that focuses on reskilling/upskilling older women. Is that the sort of thing you mean?

It’s a bit odd. We’re then being accused of arguing against something we haven’t even touched upon or disputed.

I totally agree, I've always thought this. There's a huge gap in the market for older, skilled, hardworking potential employees.

Yes so some sectors are using initiatives to attract older women specifically, I don’t get the idea age isn’t included in D&I initiatives

They see the issue and use an initiative to address it

Googling again

‘Specifically noting age as an aspect of diversity is a foundational step to take in the process of including it throughout your DEI work. If you don't name it, you won't address it.’

It’s slower than other areas though as often last thing to be addressed

https://www.forbes.com/sites/sheilacallaham/2019/07/25/the-one-critical-element-missing-from-92-of-diversity-and-inclusion-strategies/?sh=7041531c4508

I’m not sure the op is being taken to task so much. What she is saying is all reflected out there.

What part of what I have said is it that you are addressing/feel you’re disagreeing with? It’s unclear, so I’m afraid I can’t really respond.

I have no idea what you are saying personally it’s a bit vague

But some seem to be saying the stats show there is no issue with ageism

That’s not backed up

Or that there’s no need to include ageism in D&I

Also not the case

That's an interesting article MarshaBradyo and it's interesting that there's starting to be some acknowledgment of it in the USA.

That’s an opinion piece. Based on self reported data. Again, your ‘Google and you’ll find lots of evidence’ isn’t turning up actual evidence. I’ve explained this upthread.

Yes, companies aren’t featuring age in D&I policies. It’s been explained why.

I just linked the first I found but I’m sure it’s realised here too, maybe more with the global organisations which tend to have programmes to bring back women after a break

I’m the one being vague? Christ. Okay, then. 😂